bittercress

[bit-er-kres]

noun

1. any cruciferous plant of the genus Cardamine, including the white-flowered hairy bittercress (C. hirsuta ) of widespread distribution and the purple-flowered coralroot bittercress (C. bulbifera ), predominantly of Finland.

bittercress

/ ˈbɪtəˌkrɛs /

noun

1. one of several perennial or annual plants of the genus Cardamine , that are related to lady's-smock, including hairy bittercress ( C. hirsuta ), a common weed resembling shepherd's purse, with which it is often confused: family: Brassicaceae (crucifers)

Word History and Origins

Origin of bittercress¹

First recorded in 1855–60; bitter ( def. ) + cress ( def. )

Example Sentences

Forget the impending dandelions and violets; I’m talking about established winter weeds, whose roots now go deep — interlopers like henbit, chickweed, bittercress and ground ivy.

From Seattle Times

A weeding knife or sharp hoe will make quick work of bittercress, henbit, chickweed and speedwell.

From Washington Post

Those delicate baby plants will become oceans of henbit, chickweed and bittercress at the first hint of spring.

From Washington Post

Check beds for bittercress, annual poa, chickweed and henbit.

From Washington Post

The moose is garnished with flecks of pickled winter chanterelles, dark bittercress leaves and crisp, celadon-green caribou moss.

From New York Times