Weed of the Week: Hairy Bittercress

May 31, 2017
A close up of a plant with white flowers and green leaves

TYPE

Hairy bittercress is an annual spring or winter invasive broadleaf weed. During its life cycle, it has the ability to produce and explosively scatter large amounts of its seeds from siliques (long, slender seed pods that form by the flower of the plant). This weed can reach up to 4-12 inches tall. This weed forms a long, deep taproot that can be difficult to pull if not removed in early stages of growth.


HOW TO IDENTIFY

Hairy bittercress appears as a small, flat rosette of leaves that has delicate, four-petal white, flowers at the end of green, wiry stems. Leaves consist of 2-4 leaflets that are alternately arranged around the stem. Lower leaves tend to be larger and hairier then the leaves up at the top.

  • NOTE: Notice the long, slender seed pods forming by the flowers.

WHERE IT GROWS

Hairy bittercress favors wet, shaded areas as well as areas were lawn is mowed too short. As temperatures increase, this weed’s appearance reduces. Bittercress thrives in all soil types, including nutritious or poor soil.

GROWING SEASON:
Hairy bittercress prolifically sets seed in early spring when the soil is cool and moist, typically germinating in May through September. It can also withstand frost conditions so if not removed, can survive throughout winter and appear again in the spring. 
  • NOTE: This weed can persists through winter and depending on this weeds life cycle stage, it can be seen to have a dull purplish look (cold, harsh winter) or a more green look (mild winter).

A close up of a plant with white flowers and green leaves.

Hairy Bittercress Flowers Beginning to Blooming

 HOW TO MANAGE The seeds are located in the flowering portion of the bittercress, so to avoid dispersion and infestation it is best to remove right away before it gets to this growth stage. You can remove by hand or garden tool but because the slightest disturbance can release and spread the seeds it may be best to apply a post-emergence herbicide when the weed is actually growing. It’s important to understand that for optimum post-emergent control, apply product to actively growing, immature weeds; more than one application may be needed. To fight this invasive weed before an infestation, apply a pre-emergent herbicide in late summer/early fall, prior to bittercress germination.

  • NOTE:  If you apply a pre-emergent in fall, you’re unable to plant grass seed since pesticides inhibit seed germination, including new grass seed. For cases where the invasion is less severe, pull weed out by hand since taproots are weak and shallow. Overall, the best prevention method for hairy bittercress and any invasive weed is to maintain healthy, dense turf with a strong root system by adopting a regular lawn care routine including fertilization , soil amendments , proper mowing and watering as well as aeration and thatch management practices.


For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
 
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service to find a distributor near you.

References:
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/lawns/lawn-weed-identification
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/hairy_bittercress_a_weed_to_watch_out_for
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=782
http://marinmg.ucanr.edu/Marin_Master_Gardener_Help_Desk/Leaflet/d/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/hairy-bittercress-control.htm
http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Cardamine+hirsuta
http://identifythatplant.com/hairy-bittercress-cardamine-hirsuta/

Photos:
Photo Credits: Andreas Rockstein | Flickr

The TURFReport Highlights:

Additional Articles and Insights

A large fertilizer manufacturing facility
April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity.
grubs on dirt
April 18, 2025
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours!
October 9, 2024
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.
October 4, 2024
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC . We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark ManganPresidentTurf Care Supply, LLC
A forklift is sitting in a garage next to another forklift.
September 28, 2023
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
A person is holding a safety data sheet in front of bottles
July 19, 2023
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
A tur care advertisement for fertilizer application tips
June 22, 2023
It’s common knowledge that applying too much fertilizer containing high percentages of readily available nitrogen and water soluble nutrients can result in burn damage to plants, but did you know that damage can still occur even if your application rate is correct? Applying the right product at the right rate, but at the WRONG time can have disastrous consequences.
A poster for #turf detective summer stress
August 1, 2022
When summer temperatures rise and drought conditions set in, turf quality can suffer, even in healthy turf. Turf that was green and lush during the spring can be at risk for turning brown and going dormant during the summer months. This can lead to insect and weed infestations as well as other diseases that can result in additional turf damage. Being aware of these abiotic stresses can help lawn care operators, turf managers, and homeowners take steps to mitigate the damage from these stressors.
July 28, 2022
Brunswick, OH. (April 25, 2022) – Turf Care Supply, LLC (“Turf Care” or the “Company”), the leading formulator and blender of coated nitrogen and other fertilizer products to the turf & ornamental market, is excited to announce Michael Randall as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mike Randall has previously served as the CFO for both Anchor Manufacturing and for a private investment group, The Misfud Group, LLC. Mike has also held a variety of financial positions with Shiloh Industries in Valley City, Ohio and Eaton Corporation in Cleveland. Mike received his Accounting degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. “We are very excited to have Mike join the Turf Care team. Mike’s frontline leadership and successful C level experience make him an incredible addition to our company,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care.  Established in 1974, Turf Care Supply is one of the largest formulators and blenders of urea products to the turf & ornamental market. Turf Care has a comprehensive product portfolio of fertilizers, combination products (herbicide/insecticide), soil amendments and enhanced efficiency fertilizer ingredients. Turf Care's products are sold to distributors and blenders serving the commercial, residential and golf end markets.
Show More
A large fertilizer manufacturing facility
April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity.
grubs on dirt
April 18, 2025
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours!
October 9, 2024
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.
October 4, 2024
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC . We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark ManganPresidentTurf Care Supply, LLC
A forklift is sitting in a garage next to another forklift.
September 28, 2023
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
A person is holding a safety data sheet in front of bottles
July 19, 2023
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
A tur care advertisement for fertilizer application tips
June 22, 2023
It’s common knowledge that applying too much fertilizer containing high percentages of readily available nitrogen and water soluble nutrients can result in burn damage to plants, but did you know that damage can still occur even if your application rate is correct? Applying the right product at the right rate, but at the WRONG time can have disastrous consequences.
A poster for #turf detective summer stress
August 1, 2022
When summer temperatures rise and drought conditions set in, turf quality can suffer, even in healthy turf. Turf that was green and lush during the spring can be at risk for turning brown and going dormant during the summer months. This can lead to insect and weed infestations as well as other diseases that can result in additional turf damage. Being aware of these abiotic stresses can help lawn care operators, turf managers, and homeowners take steps to mitigate the damage from these stressors.
Show More