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is hairy bitter cress considered invasive in Vermont? #929976

Asked April 28, 2026, 10:51 PM EDT

is hairy bitter cress considered invasive in Vermont? I could not find it in your list of invasives, though narrow leaf bitter cress is listed. It is considered invasive in Washington State, New York, and Canada.

Washington County Vermont

Expert Response

Hello Carol,

Thanks for reaching out to UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline.

You are correct – Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta) is a non-native weed but isn't currently listed on the invasive site for Vermont.

According at the Agency of Natural Resources, "Invasive species are not native to Vermont and have negative effects on our economy, our environment, or our health."

Maybe Hairy Bittercress doesn't rise to that standard just yet, but the Narrow Leaf variety does. It would seem if it's listed by our neighbors as "invasive" you could safely assume controlling its population in your garden would be a wise pursuit.

A few more resources below if you're interested in learning more.

Resources:

https://extension.psu.edu/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-hairy-bittercress

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cardamine-hirsuta/

Alex B., UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Replied April 29, 2026, 1:12 PM EDT

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