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Native Plants Anywhere

Cutleaf toothwort

Cardamine concatenata

Cutleaf toothwort
Photo: (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY) · iNaturalist

About Cutleaf toothwort

Cutleaf toothwort is a real charmer that belongs in any woodland garden. This native wildflower produces delicate pink or white flowers that brighten shady spots in spring, and it's a favorite of early butterflies and bees when they're hungry after winter. The plant's fancy, finely-cut leaves are pretty even before the blooms appear. Once established, it comes back year after year without fussing, making it a low-maintenance way to support local wildlife.

Growing cutleaf toothwort is wonderfully simple. It loves the dappled shade under trees and prefers rich soil that stays somewhat moist, much like a forest floor. Plant it in fall or early spring, give it a little water while it settles in, and then mostly leave it alone. You'll enjoy watching it multiply and return faithfully each season. It's a plant that rewards you with beauty while asking for very little in return.

Native to 42 states