Hairy bittercress is an introduced species, now generally considered a weed.
They exploded into being, seemingly all at once,
taking over a good portion of my lawn. Barbara Williams of Nampa, ID reports seeing this in
Idaho, outside of its previously recorded range.
Identification: Plants are 8-12″ (20-30 cm) high. Leaves at the base
are rounded, in opposing pairs, very close to the ground. Tall stems support a few narrower leaves,
and tiny clusters of white flowers. Each flower is less than ⅛″ (3.2 mm) around; clusters are about
¼″ (8.3 mm) around. Each stem also supports multiple upward-pointing seed pods called siliques, each about ¾-1¼″ (1.9-3.2 cm) long
and less than 1/32″ (1 mm) in diameter. Pods are a reddish purple color, containing multiple seeds.
The pods are "explosively dehiscent," that is, the dry pods pop apart when touched, launching seeds up
to 3′ (1 m).
Pepperell, MA.
Clockwise from top center: opened seed pod, flower cluster, underside and top of basal leaves, upper leaves, seed pods ("siliques") and flowers.
Edibility: Flowers and leaves are edible, with a hot flavor
(as with other cresses); they are usually used as a garnish on salads.