Cardamine oligosperma
Brassicaceae
Little Western Bittercress
Stems erect one to several, branched. Leaves many in basal rosette, few scattered on stems. Leaves pinnately divided, leaflets in pairs, one larger at tip. Leaflets with short stalks, more or less round, shallowly toothed. Flowers white, small clusters on short stalks top stems. Seedpods point upwards, are 1/2 in. long. Wet meadows, creek edges below 3500 ft. C. occidentalis is similar but no basal rosette and several leaves on the stems. Flower petals large, to 1/4 inch. C. pensylvanica also has no basal rosette, stem leaves have 5-11 widely elliptic leaflets. Very similar to, and easily confused with the non-native C. hirsuta which is more common in disturbed and urban areas.
- Rarity: Common
- Flowering Time:
- Life Cycle: Annual, Biennial, Perennial
- Height: 4–14 inches
- Habitat: East-side Forest, Meadow, Vernal Wet, West-side Forest
- Found In: Mt. Rainier NP, N Cascades NP, Olympic NP, Siskiyous, West Gorge
- Native: Yes