American bittercress (Cardamine rotundifolia) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
American bittercress, Mountain bittercress
Family
Brassicaceae (cabbage family)
Origin
Eastern North America
Water
freshwater
Temperature
10–22°C
pH
6–7.5
Care level
expert
Lighting
Medium light; CO2 helpful

Care

American or mountain bittercress is a perennial herb of the cabbage family from eastern North America, with leafy, sprawling stems. It is a close relative of Chinese ivy (Cardamine lyrata). Our sources say almost nothing about it as an aquarium plant, and it is rarely seen in the trade. It is essentially a wetland plant, so expect it to do best emersed at a pond edge, in a bog garden or in a paludarium, or submerged in a cool tank. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardaminerotundifolia); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Probably by stem cuttings and division, like Chinese ivy; our sources give no details.

Compatibility and tank mates

Soft leaves likely to be eaten by goldfish and herbivorous fish. A temperate plant that suits tropical tanks poorly.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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