Cardamine yezoensis BSWJ 4659

Korean Bittercress Brassicaceae

A particularly interesting Japanese and Korean bittercress, Cardamine yezoensis BSWJ 4659 is the Korean form collected by Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones, and a long-standing Crûg Farm introduction. It forms fresh green clumps of divided foliage, with loose white flowers above, and naturally inhabits moist, shady places beside mountain streams. Its edible credentials are considerably more interesting than its modest appearance suggests: known to the Ainu as Ainu-wasabi, the young leaves and new rootstocks were gathered in spring and eaten, the latter providing a distinctly hot, peppery, wasabi-like flavour. Grow in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade or sun.

Height: 35–50cm.

 Spread: 35–40cm.

 Flowers: April–June 

Hardiness: H5, (–15 to –10°C)