When does Watercress bloom?

Watercress produces small white flowers from May through July.

What pollinators visit Watercress?

Bees and flies are the primary pollinators that visit Watercress flowers.

Where is Watercress native?

Watercress is documented as native to South Dakota, though it has a much broader native range across North America.

What growing conditions does Watercress need?

Watercress requires consistently wet or aquatic conditions and tolerates partial shade to full shade environments.

Is Watercress toxic to dogs?

Yes. Watercress is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Watercress toxic to cats?

Yes. Watercress is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Watercress HOA-friendly?

Watercress takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Watercress

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Nasturtium officinale

Last reviewed: August 2026

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a perennial forb. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees and flies.

Watercress is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

4"–24" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Pollinators

bees, flies

Native alternatives to Watercress

Watercress is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Watercress is an aquatic perennial herb that grows in shallow water or very wet soil. It produces small white flowers from May through July and has a low, spreading growth habit. This plant requires consistently moist to wet conditions and is typically found near streams, ponds, or in bog gardens.

Growing Watercress

Grow Watercress in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 4 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Watercress takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires constantly wet conditions that are impractical for most residential landscapes
Low spreading growth habit can appear unkempt
Not suitable for typical ornamental garden settings

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract bees and flies during the summer blooming period. As an aquatic plant, it also provides habitat for various water-loving insects and amphibians.

Common questions

When does Watercress bloom?: Watercress produces small white flowers from May through July.
What pollinators visit Watercress?: Bees and flies are the primary pollinators that visit Watercress flowers.
Where is Watercress native?: Watercress is documented as native to South Dakota, though it has a much broader native range across North America.
What growing conditions does Watercress need?: Watercress requires consistently wet or aquatic conditions and tolerates partial shade to full shade environments.
Is Watercress toxic to dogs?: Yes. Watercress is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Watercress toxic to cats?: Yes. Watercress is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Watercress HOA-friendly?: Watercress takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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