Nasturtium

(Tropaeolum majus)

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Tropaeolum majus, commonly known as Nasturtium, is an annual or short-lived perennial herb that is native to the Andes from Bolivia north to Colombia. It thrives in mountainous areas with cool, moist conditions, often in disturbed areas such as roadsides and cultivated fields. The plant exhibits a fast growth rate and features rounded, peltate leaves that are disc-shaped and bright green. Nasturtium is known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from summer to fall, offering a spectrum of colors including yellow, orange, and red, with some varieties displaying a frilled appearance and darker bases on the petals.

Nasturtiums are valued for their ease of cultivation and their peppery-flavored edible flowers and leaves, which can be used in salads and as garnishes. They are also popular for their ability to attract beneficial insects and for their use as a companion plant to deter pests in vegetable gardens. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it grows best in well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil. It requires regular watering but should not be overwatered. While generally pest-free, Nasturtiums can be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars. They are not typically invasive but can self-seed prolifically if conditions are favorable.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine, Herb
  • Height: 1-10 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Cream, Orange, Red, White, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to the Andes from Bolivia north to Colombia

Other Names

Common Names: Garden Nasturtium, Indian Cress, Monks Cress, Kapuzinerkresse, Große Kapuzinerkresse, Capuchina, Mastuerzo, Cresson D’Inde, Grande Capucine, Oost-Indische Kers

Scientific Names: , Tropaeolum majus, Nasturtium indicum, Tropaeolum hybridum, Tropaeolum majas, Trophaeum majus, Cardamindum majus, Tropaeolum atrosanguineum, Tropaeolum chaixianum, Tropaeolum elatum

GBIF Accepted Name: Tropaeolum majus L.