Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton

Watercress

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Watercress is an introduced perennial in the Mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. In Alabama it can be found in the northern half of the state. Watercress grows in shallow water of springs, small streams, ditches, and lakes. Watercress has glabrous, hollow stems that grow to a height of 1-2 feet. The stems frequently fall over and root. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, and pinnately divided into 3-13 leaflets. The lateral leaflets are smaller than the terminal leaflet. Leaflets are sessile or short petiolulate, ovate to lanceolate in outline, with entire or repand (slightly undulating) margins. Flowers are produced in terminal corymbose racemes. Each flower has 4 white or pink petals. The fruit is a silique. Watercress often forms dense stands in spring runs. It is eaten by many animals, and provided shelter and cover for aquatic organisms. It is considered a noxious weed in 46 states. Watercress is eaten by humans in salads and as used a garnish for its spicy, pungent flavor. The taste comes from two compounds (glucosinolate and myrosinase) that are produced by the plant to prevent herbivory. Watercress is often cultivated. It prefers cool running water, and does best in alkaline situations.--A. Diamond

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Not Native OBL (NWPL)

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