Herb: American Water Cress


Latin name: Cardamine rotundifolia


Family: Cruciferae



Edible parts of American Water Cress:

Leaves - raw or cooked. A hot water-cress like flavour.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
April to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Cold springs and brooksides.

Propagation of American Water Cress:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 weeks at 15°C. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame for the first two years, planting them out when dormant in late summer. Division in early spring or after the plant dies down in the summer. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Cold springs and brooksides.

Medicinal use of American Water Cress:

None known

Known hazards of Cardamine rotundifolia:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.