Milkmaids
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(Cardamine californica)
Milkmaids in bloom in the forest along the Ecology Trail.
Will Elder, NPS
Origin Of Genus Name: Cardamine is Greek for a Cress with medicinal uses. Presidio Locations: Damp forested areas. Range In State: Throughout California. Description: This native of the Mustard Family has white to light pink flowers in multiple clusters at the top of a single stem 4-15 inches in height. Leaves are oval at the base and three-part upper leaves are blade-like. Blooms February to April. Native Californian Uses: The Yurok used Milkmaids as a season indicator, as it was among the first plants to flower in the spring. |
Did You Know?
Major Jonathan Letterman--after whom the hospital at the Presidio was renamed in 1911--was the medical director of the Army of the Potomac. A founding father of military medicine, Letterman organized forward first-aid stations, mobile field hospitals, and ambulance services during the Civil War.