Names and Myths

Dentaria Toothwort and Dentaria relate to the practice of chewing the roots as a toothache remedy.¹²

Laciniata torn, jagged

Natural history / Folklore

Most common of the toothworts, and first to open. It is being displaced by garlic mustards. Whole plant can be eaten, rhizome (a little chain of tubers¹⁵) has a peppery taste as do the leaves.¹¹ Toothwort is related to horseradish, it is therefore better as a flavoring.²⁸

Description

March – May White flowers 4 petals. Three whorled palmately divided leaves below the flower. Wooded slopes and bottoms.