Cardamine fontanum
common watercress
A fast-growing, aquatic perennial to 20cm in height, forming dense colonies of floating and submerged rooting stems and edible foliage. A popular salad crop with oval, wavy-edged rich dark green leaves, and small white flowers from late spring to midsummer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Floating, Submerged, Trailing
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, wet soil or soil that is reliably moist through summer. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or rooted runners in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Harvest by pinching out regularly for a supply of young leaves
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and snails, aphids and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot and root rots
Get involved
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