Watercress

Nasturtium officinale, Brassicaceae

Zones

3a–11b

Layer

Aquatic

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Fast

Guild Roles

Dynamic AccumulatorProducer

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (optimal)Partial Sun (optimal)

Water

HighHigh

Soil pH

6.5 – 7.5

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Dawn RedwoodMetasequoia glyptostroboides

Shade Provision

MeadowsweetFilipendula ulmaria

Beneficial Insect HabitatNutrient Accumulation

SpearmintMentha spicata

Pest Deterrent

Curly ParsleyPetroselinum crispum

Pollinator SharingBeneficial Insect Habitat

Katsura TreeCercidiphyllum japonicum

Nutrient Accumulation

Antagonistic Plants

CornZea mays

Corn can produce compounds that inhibit watercress growth, while competing for nutrients in aquatic-adjacent systems

Camphor TreeCinnamomum camphora

Camphor Tree produces strong allelopathic compounds that can inhibit watercress and other sensitive plants

Quinine TreeCinchona officinalis

Quinine Tree contains alkaloids that can have allelopathic effects on sensitive plants like watercress

NutmegMyristica fragrans

Nutmeg produces allelopathic compounds that can inhibit sensitive aquatic plants like watercress

Uses

Functions

FoodWater Filtration

Edible Parts

Leaves

Common Questions

What zones does Watercress grow in?

Watercress grows in USDA hardiness zones 3a through 11b.

What are good companion plants for Watercress?

Good companions for Watercress include Dawn Redwood, Meadowsweet, Spearmint, Curly Parsley, Katsura Tree.

Design guilds with Watercress and see companion relationships visually.

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