Nasturtium officinale
Plant Details
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Wet
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acid Neutral Basic
Sun
Usage properties
Leaves, Condiment, Seed
Bee plant
Description
The leaves of white watercress are often cooked and used as a garnish in salads due to their strong and spicy flavor. This watercress is also added to tonics. The leaves can be harvested almost year-round and are very nutritious, particularly rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron. The sprouted seeds of watercress can be eaten in salads because of their mustard-like flavor. The seeds are often ground into powder and used to make mustard. When foraging for watercress in the wild, it is important to be cautious, especially if the plant grows near water and there are grazing animals in the vicinity, such as sheep. There is a risk that the plant may contain parasites in that case. To be safe, the leaves should be cooked before consumption.
Harvest Data
Guilds
Guild Information
Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.
Guild Details
| Guild | Description |
|---|---|
|
Prunus persica Peach |
Nasturtium can deter aphids and other pests that may harm peach trees. |
|
Corylus avellana Hazel |
The presence of nasturtium can help improve soil nutrients, benefiting hazelnut trees. |
|
Rubus fruticosus Blackberry |
Nasturtium can provide ground cover, suppressing weeds near blackberries while adding biodiversity. |
|
Thymus vulgaris Common Thyme, Garden thyme, Wild Thyme |
Thyme can attract beneficial insects that help control pests that affect nasturtium. |
|
Sambucus nigra European elder |
Elderberry provides shade and can benefit from the moisture-loving nature of nasturtium. |