Narrowleaf Bittercress (Cardamine impatiens), fam. Brassicaceae.
   Elegant pinnate leaves with pointed lanceolate leaflets make this species notable along the forest trails and roads in May, even before blooming. The affection of this plant to roads is its main chance to survive, since it cannot compete with surrounding herbs and shrubs otherwise. The fruits, similarly to Touch-me-not Balsam, crack when the passersby or cars come along.

---