Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta).
Hairy Bittercress is a Winter annual weed and also called Flick Weed. It is part of the mustard family.
It is an edible weed. The best way to use it is as an edible garnish or in salads. It has a peppery taste.
Why is Bittercress a Weed?
- This weed produces a large number of seeds.
- Once it sets seed it germinates straight away.
- It can also stay dormant in the soil for several years.
- The seeds are sticky. This means that they can easily spread.
- It favours a moist climate, and is common in the Southern Highlands of NSW.
- However, this weed can germinate and grow all the year round.
- It is a host for aphids.
This weed is a good indicator of wet soils. It is often is found in disturbed areas.
After you read this, you will be able to:
- Identify Swinecress and Flick Weed.
- Know its habitat.
- Know the best cultural and chemical options to control it.
This weed is typically one of the first weeds to appear in the Spring. However, it can grow all the year-round when suitable conditions exist.
For more information, please check out our weed ID chart.