Milk Maids
Cardamine californica
Mustard Family (Brassicaceae)
Native
Key Identifying Characteristics
One of the earliest blooming plants in the SF Bay Area. Typically about 1 foot tall, with roundish leaves at the base and three-lobed dagger shaped leaves near the top. Loose clusters of 4 petaled flowers, white to light pink, in the shape of a flattened cross.
Height / Size
Typically 1 foot high
Leaves
Leaves are alternating. Near the ground the leaves are roundish. Leaves higher up are three-part and lance-shaped.
Flower
Flowers are 0.5 inch in diameter, with 4 white to light pink petals in the shape of a flat cross. Stamens and pistil form a tight bunch in a yellow green center.
Blooms Time: January to May.
Fruit / Seed
Seedpods are long, slim capsules, 1.5 inches long, which project upward and outward from the stem. When mature, the seedpod splits lengthwise exposing 10 to 18 small, dull, brown seeds.
Habitat
Shady damp habitats but also open woodlands, grasslands and chaparral.
Location / Range
All trails. Common on Brooks Fall Overlook trail. Found from Washington to Baja.
Lifespan
2 years
Fascinating / Fun Facts
The flower closes its petals in late afternoon and when it rains, and nods the pedicel (flower stalk) to protect the pollen from rain. Also called Tooth Wort or Bitter Cress.
Sources
Calscape
Jepson eFlora
naturecollective.org
PlantID.net for San Pedro Valley CP (NRDB.org)
VanderWerf, Barbara. 1994. Montara Mountain. Gum Tree Lane Books, El Granada, CA. pg. 62