Watercress
Nasturtium officinale
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
4"–24" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
SD
Pollinators
bees, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Watercress fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.