The water cress is a green leafy plant that has tiny yellow or white flowers. It blooms in March-November. It is also edible. The water cress habitat is cold river banks, springs, and marshes. It is found throughout North America. The water cress can grow ten feet tall, and its leaves are edible. The leaves are used to garnish meats and salads.Water Cress
Water cress is part of the mustard family. It was introduced from Europe. The spiraling stems take root from where they touch the mud. Compound leaves bear 3-11 roundish leaflets that are at the tip.
For eating only use the part of the plant that grows above the water. The part under the water and the roots are not edible. Water cress tastes like pepper so it spices up a salad. The leaves are also used to make an herbal tea. This plant gives us vitamins A, C, and E and contains iron and calcium.
By Sam
This page was created by the Osseo-Fairchild sixth grade students supported by a Cluster A Goals 2000 Grant
Created 4/8/1999 Updated 4/8/1999 sdpYou may contact us at: spoore@mail.ofsd.k12.wi.us
