Dentaria

More Information About Dentaria

Although some taxonomists have lumped Dentaria into the genus Cardamine, we have chosen to keep these two shade-loving plants separate. The genus name, Dentaria, means "toothed" and indeed the rhizomes of these flowering perennials have many angular, tooth-like scars. The leaves, too, are often toothed (dentate). Dentaria is a woodland garden plant and prefers to keep company with the likes of uvularia, oxalis, and the smaller hosta varieties. Compost-rich woodland soils with consistent moisture are best. Dentaria blooms in early to mid-spring with purple, pink, or white flowers. Eventually, the plants will spread to form a small colony.

The genus Dentaria is in the family Brassicaeae which makes it a cousin to mustard, broccoli and cabbage and its plant parts sometimes have the same characteristic scent or flavor of its vegetable relatives. The roots of one species, Dentaria laciniata, have been used as a mustard substitute. When you are ready to buy dentaria for your garden, check out our online list of dentaria for sale.