Watercress is a semi-aquatic plant that grows in and around cold, clear, spring-fed streams and seeps across North America and the world. Native to Europe but widely naturalized across North America, it forms dense mats of dark-green compound leaves with a sharp, peppery flavor. Watercress is one of the oldest known leaf vegetables consumed by humans and is extremely rich in vitamin C, iron, and calcium. It serves as a critical habitat and food source for stream macroinvertebrates.
Habitat
Found in cold, clear spring seeps, streams, and ditches with flowing water across North America.
Diet
Provides habitat for aquatic invertebrates; browsed by deer and muskrats; flowers visited by small bees.
How common
Common
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