One of California’s most widespread and earliest spring wildflowers, often beginning to bloom in the winter. Found in somewhat shady locations in a number of plant communities, this slender perennial has rounded basal leaves. Flower stems 10 inches to 20 inches tall are topped with four petaled flowers of pure white to soft pink. This sweet harbinger of spring is easy to grow given a little shade and winter rain. After flowering and setting seed it dies back to its roots where it goes dormant until next year’s rains awaken it. Good under oaks.
Cardamine californica
milk maids
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Plant Types
Size
- Average Height: 0.5 - 1.5 ft
- Average Width: 0.5 - 1
Exposures
Water Requirements
Habitat Values
Site Conditions
Tolerances
Special Uses
Our monthly inventory was updated on April 29, 2026. To confirm current availability, please call ahead. We do not ship plants.
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