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Water-cress

©Northeast Wildlife

Water-cress

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Scientific name: Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum
Water-cress has become so popular as a salad addition that it is now cultivated on a wide scale. In the wild, it grows in shallow, fast-flowing streams and is an indicator of clean water.

Top facts

Stats

Height: up to 60cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

January to December

About

Water-cress is an evergreen aquatic plant that grows in thick drifts in shallow, clear water (especially fast-flowing streams) all around the UK. Its leaves float on the surface of the water and it flowers from May to October. Traditionally hand-picked from the wild as a useful salad addition, it became popular in the 18th century and is now cultivated on a commercial scale.

What to look for

Water-cress has hollow stems and green, divided leaves with rounded leaflets that float on the surface of the water. Small, white-and-green flowers appear in clusters.

Where to find

Found throughout the UK, but scarcer in North Scotland.

Habitats

Did you know?

Finding Water-cress growing in a stream is a sign of clean water as it does not tolerate pollution. However, if you wish to pick it wild, make sure it is well-washed before you add it to your salad. The leaves are a good source of vitamin C and this plant is the source of a number of medicines.