Cardamine concatenata (Cutleaf Toothwort)
| Also known as: | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Cardamine |
| Family: | Brassicaceae (Mustard) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | part shade; rich moist woods, stream banks |
| Bloom season: | April - May |
| Plant height: | 8 to 16 inches |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: FACU MW: FACU NCNE: FACU |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
Pick an image for a larger view. See the glossary for icon descriptions.
Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/cardamine-concatenata-008.jpg)
A single raceme of stalked flowers at the top of the plant, the flower stalks ascending to spreading to drooping, the flowers often nodding. Flowers are ½ to ¾ inch across when fully open, have 4 white to pale pinkish petals each 1 to 2 cm long, and 6 yellow stamens. The 4 sepals at the base of the flower are much shorter than the petals, green to purplish and paler around the edges. Sepals and flower stalks are hairless.
Leaves and stem:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/cardamine-concatenata-040818-9.jpg)
Leaves are basal, with flowering stems also having 2 or 3 stem leaves arranged oppositely (when 2) or whorled (3), though not all plants produce flowering stems. All leaves are similar, palmately compound with 3 leaflets, the leaflets mostly oblong-ellipitc in outline, to 3 inches (2.5 to 6 cm) long, usually with several large teeth or narrow lobes along the edges and commonly with larger lobes near the base so may appear to be 5 or more leaflets. Compound leaves are stalked, leaflets are stalkless. Leaves and stems are hairless though the upper stem may have sparse hairs.
Fruit:
![[photo of fruit]](/udata/r9ndp23q/white/cardamine-concatenata-cutleaf-toothwort_0401_140901.jpg)
Fruit is a straight, slender pod up to 1½ inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) long, held ascending to spreading.
Notes:
Cutleaf Toothwort, known as Dentaria laciniata in some references, is one of our early spring woodland bloomers, found in moist deciduous woods in about half the state. Its leaves are pretty distinctive so is not likely to be confused with other species.
Native Plant Nurseries, Restoration and Landscaping Services ↓
Map of native plant resources in the upper midwest
More photos
Cutleaf Toothwort plant
Cutleaf Toothwort plants
leaves sometimes have few teeth/lobes
not all plants produce flowering stems
Cutleaf Toothwort plant
Cutleaf Toothwort plants
leaves sometimes have few teeth/lobes
not all plants produce flowering stemsPhotos by K. Chayka taken at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, Minneapolis. Photos by Peter M. Dziuk taken at Eloise Butler and in Anoka County.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2010-04-13 21:25:32
I saw many of these in Maple Plain, Minnesota yesterday (04.12.10) in the Baker Park Reserve. They were right off the road in the maple/basswood forest. Use extreme caution if looking...there are several ephemerials blooming including wild leeks, wild ginger, and bloodroot. They are fragile. First time I have ever seen them!
on: 2012-04-28 10:51:26
There is a good amount of them off the trail in Three Rivers Park in Prior Lake so on to be developed. They are now not in full bloom. Hopefully when they develop the park they will not disturb them. There were masses of them and they are off the trail. Such a beautiful sight.
on: 2016-04-18 08:39:36
04/16/16... While birding for Yellow-headed blackbirds near Swan Lake a few miles northeast of Nicollet, we followed a gravel 'public access' road through the swamps, came upon a small hardwood forest. Without stepping out of the car, one could observe the ephemerals spread across the shaded floor of the forest. After 75 years in the woodlands, this was our first encounter with the beautiful plant.
on: 2017-04-25 15:26:39
4/23/17 We saw a lot these flowers along the Sakatah Bike Trail in Sakatah State Park by Waterville.
on: 2017-05-04 07:01:11
Saw a bunch of these along the trail starting at the trailhead off of Aqua Rd.
on: 2018-05-02 15:24:54
Found several patches of these in Oxbow Park today (Zumbro Trail). Most were not flowering yet, but a few were!
on: 2018-05-11 18:12:03
Spotted in the woods near Timms Hill the highest point in Wisconsin
on: 2018-05-14 22:26:05
Several patches of these in the moist wooded areas. Many in bloom.
on: 2019-05-05 19:03:20
scattered patches, blooming at the end of the trout lily season
on: 2019-05-12 20:31:44
Was walking with my wife in Carver Park Reserve and observed many colonies in full bloom in wooded area (before we were told to "Get Out!" by nesting bald eagles).
on: 2020-04-18 09:15:25
also spring rue anemone
on: 2020-04-28 08:40:25
April 28th 2020 Cut Leaf Toothwort blooming, with Dutchman’s, Hepaticas, Buttercups, Adders tongue and others. Thanks
on: 2020-05-01 09:09:03
abundantly flowering on Hidden Falls trail, along with Dutchman's Breeches, Bellwort, Spring Beauty, Ginger, False Rue Anemone, Bloodroot, Marsh Marigold and of course the White Trout Lily and Dwarf Trout Lily. Truly a spectacular sight.
on: 2021-04-15 19:20:18
Millions blooming now.
on: 2021-04-20 10:14:13
Carpeting the woodland floor on the east side of Middle Lake 1 mile NE of Nicollet. Perhaps it's not supposed to be eaten, but it has a very pleasant, subtle brassica flavor. (04/20/2021)
on: 2021-05-02 09:12:07
These were blooming in partly shaded areas near the walking trail in Keller Woods near Circle Pines on May 1.
on: 2024-04-30 15:36:12
These are just starting to bloom at M.T. Anderson Conservation Area. There are several large patches but only a few are blooming.