Flickweed
Cardamine hirsuta
Brassicaceae
Reported to be edible.
Flickweed or Hairy Bittercress is a common weed of damp areas, recently disturbed soil, open ground, gardens, turf, cultivation, nurseries and wasteplaces. It is particularly prevalent in nurseries. The common name, Flickweed, refers to the rapid release of the seed when ripe. Due to structural features, often the slightest touch or wind triggers the release of the seed. Seed move in all directions and travel some distance (up to a metre). The botanical term is called ballochory, which is a type of rapid plant movement. Many people in the nursery industry also know that the seeds can sometimes come in contact with eyes, which results in irritation. Flickweed seed can remain viable in the soil or potting for several years. Following germination, flickweed can reach maturity within five weeks if conditions are suitable. Flickweed is a lender annual to 30 cm high, branched, sparsely hirsute (thick covering of stiff hairs). Flowers are small and white, with the siliqua (a dry dehiscent fruit) 15–25 mm long containing the seeds.
The small white flowers are known to attract bees and butterflies. Flickweed is a known host for whiteflies, mites, and some diseases. The caterpillars of the butterfly Anthocharis midea (Falcate Orangetip) and the moth Evergestis pallidata (Purple-Backed Cabbageworm) are reported to feed on flickweed. It is also a source of nectar (adult) and host plant (larvae) of the cabbage white butterfly (Pieris napi).