Nasturtium
ExplorePlants
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Nasturtiums are colorful flowers that come in shades of red, orange, and yellow. They have round leaves and grow low to the ground, making them perfect for gardens and pots.
Habitat: Gardens
Appearance
The Nasturtium has vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and red. Its unique, round, shield-like leaves, often bluish-green, stand out, resembling miniature lily pads. Trailing or mounding growth habit completes its distinctive look.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBrassicalesFamilyTropaeolaceaeGenusTropaeolum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
"Nasturtium" means "nose twist" in Latin, referring to its spicy, peppery taste!
Ancient Incas used nasturtiums for both food and medicine, valuing their healing power.
Its round leaves are so good at shedding water that droplets roll around like mercury!
Some varieties are incredible climbers, reaching up to 10 feet tall like a green ladder!
Special abilities
Ability
Raindrop Run-off
Nasturtium has waxy, water-repellent leaves that make raindrops bead up and roll off, keeping them clean and dry.
Ability
Pest Patrol
Nasturtium can release compounds that deter common garden pests, protecting itself and nearby plants from munching insects.
Ability
Flavor Fireworks
Nasturtium can create a peppery, spicy flavor in its leaves and flowers, which deters herbivores from eating it.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-300 cm
- Spread
- 30-150 cm
- Flower Size
- 2.5-6 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar and pollen
eats
Small Cabbage White
Pieris rapae
larvae munch on its leaves
eats
Green Peach Aphid
Myzus persicae
sucks nutrient-rich sap
pollinates
Painted Lady
Vanessa cardui
sips nectar from flowers
Traits
Annual
Annual plants complete their entire life cycle, from germination to seed production, within a single growing season.
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Pendulous Form
Describing a plant or anatomical structure that droops or hangs downwards.
Cluster Flower
Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Also known as
Garden NasturtiumIndian CressNasturtium Officinale
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Enjoy looking at nasturtiums, but do not eat any flowers or plants unless an adult says it's safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Nasturtium?
30-300 cm
How wide does Nasturtium spread?
30-150 cm
How big are the flowers on Nasturtium?
2.5-6 cm
When does Nasturtium bloom?
Late spring to fall
Is Nasturtium edible?
Yes
Is Nasturtium toxic?
None
What is Nasturtium's lifecycle?
Annual
How is Nasturtium pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
Where to spot
Park49 sightings8 species
California, US
Ohlone Park
You might spot Bee, Monarch, and Anna's Hummingbird.
View guide →
Park55 sightings6 species
California, US
Lands End
You might spot Plume Albizia, White-Crowned Sparrow, and Red-Tailed Hawk.
View guide →
Park42 sightings5 species
Washington, US
Magnolia Park
You might spot Arctic Butterbur, Red Valerian, and American Brooklime.
View guide →
Park5 sightings5 species
California, US
San Clemente State Beach
You might spot Fingertips, Lemonade Berry, and California Boxthorn.
View guide →
Park11 sightings1 species
British Columbia, CA
Gamble Park
You might spot Spurge-Laurel and Common Wall Lizard.
View guide →
