Is Heart-podded Hoary Cress poisonous?
Heart-podded Hoary Cress is not listed as toxic to humans or pets by authoritative sources.
Heart-Podded Hoary Cress (Lepidium draba)
Heart-podded Hoary Cress (Lepidium draba) is an invasive perennial herb with heart-shaped seed pods, white flowers, and a spreading root system.
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Full Sun
Watering
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, sandy loam, clay loam
Temperature
Hardy
Fertilizer
Low
Care Requirements
Light
Full Sun
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Moderate
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil
Well-drained, sandy loam, clay loam
Temperature
Hardy
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures; generally cold-hardy.
Fertilizer
Low
Requires minimal fertilization; over-fertilizing can be detrimental.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Category
Vegetable
Plant Place Type
Garden, Pot
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Height
0.2-0.6 m
Spread
0.5-1.5 m
Growth Rate
Fast
Dormancy
Semi-dormant
Leaf Color
Green, Gray-green
Leaf Type
Simple
Flower Size
1-1.5 cm
Optimal Sunlight Lux
60000
Weed Status
Yes
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · SepPeak fruit · Sep
FloweringFruiting
Synonyms
Cardaria brachypetala Opiz
Cardaria cochlearia Spach
Cardaria draba (L.) Desv.
Cardiolepis dentata Wallr.
Cochlearia draba (L.) L.
Crucifera cardaria E.H.L.Krause
Draba ruderalis Baumg.
Lepidium arvense Mill.
Lepidium drabifolium St.-Lag.
Lepidium matritense Pau
Nasturtium draba (L.) Crantz
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderBrassicales
- familyBrassicaceae
- genusLepidium
- speciesLepidium draba
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
No
Rating: 0/5
Toxic for pets
No
Rating: 0/5
Edible
No
None
Additional Care Tips
Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. In hotter, drier climates, increase watering frequency. Ensure good drainage to prevent issues. Consistent moisture is key during active growth.
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and prevent excessive seeding. Remove spent flower stalks to encourage a tidier appearance and potentially a second flush of blooms. Cut back any overgrown or damaged stems. Regular light pruning keeps the plant manageable.
Propagate by seed or division. Seeds can be sown in early spring or autumn. Divisions are best undertaken in early spring as new growth appears. This plant can also spread readily by rhizomes, so division is an effective method for management and propagation.
Repot only when necessary, typically every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes. Repot in early spring before significant new growth begins.
FAQs
How does Heart-podded Hoary Cress spread?
It spreads aggressively through both its seeds and a deep, creeping root system, which allows it to regenerate even after above-ground parts are removed.
What are the flowers of Heart-podded Hoary Cress like?
The flowers are small, white, and borne in dense clusters (racemes). They have four petals and are typically about 6 mm across.
What is the characteristic feature of its seed pods?
The seed pods are distinctive, being flat, rounded to heart-shaped, and about 4-6 mm in diameter, hence the common name 'heart-podded'.
Is Heart-podded Hoary Cress a native plant?
No, Heart-podded Hoary Cress (Lepidium draba) is native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. It is considered an invasive species in many other regions.