• Its scientific name is Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum.
• Watercress is native to the UK growing in clear shallow, fast flowing waters.
• The plant can be seen all year round as watercress is an evergreen plant, but look out for the white flowers between May and October.
• Watercress does not grow well in polluted waters at all, so when you see it in your local river you know the water is clean.
• It will often form little meanders in the river adding variation to the flow.
• It became a popular food in the 18th Century and is now grown on commercial scale for your egg and cress sandwiches.
• Can you spot any watercress?
• We advise you not to forage for, or eat any, watercress in these gardens.