broadleaf toothwort (#4)

Sold as 3 rhizome divisions

Broadleaf toothwort (aka two-leaved toothwort, crinkle root, pepper root) is a perennial member of the Brassica family native to much of the eastern US.

The leaves and roots have a distinctive horseradish-like spicy-ness to them, and as such, they can be used in ways that one would use horseradish. This potency of spice present (isothiocyanate) is useful for culinary as well as medicinal purposes.

The life-cycle of broadleaf toothwort is different than most plants. Here in zone 7b NC, it generally emerges from below ground in late Fall, flowers in late Winter early Spring, and is moving into dormancy by the time Spring has come to an end. Because of this, it is a great plant for producing food and medicine in a shady location beneath a canopy of deciduous trees, as it does its photosynthesisizing while these trees are leafless and dormant. WIth that in mind, consider that when you purchase rhizomes, you should not expect them to emerge until the first Fall after planting. Also note that it cannot tolerate the deep year-long shade cast by stands of evergreens.

Plant details:
Genus & species: Cardamine diphylla
Hardiness: Zone 3 to zone 8
Sun: Shade to part shade
Soil type: Prefers rich, moist soils with organic matter, such as that of mature hardwood forests
Soil moisture: Moist