# 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. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 10 - **Habitat:** Gardens - **Also known as:** Garden Nasturtium, Indian Cress, Nasturtium Officinale ![Nasturtium](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Tropaeolum_majus_2005_G1.jpg&width=800) Photo: George Chernilevsky, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tropaeolum_majus_2005_G1.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Brassicales - **Family:** Tropaeolaceae - **Genus:** Tropaeolum ## 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 - **Raindrop Run-off:** Nasturtium has waxy, water-repellent leaves that make raindrops bead up and roll off, keeping them clean and dry. - **Pest Patrol:** Nasturtium can release compounds that deter common garden pests, protecting itself and nearby plants from munching insects. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/painted-lady) (*Vanessa cardui*) — sips nectar from flowers ## Traits - [Annual](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/annual): Annual plants complete their entire life cycle, from germination to seed production, within a single growing season. - [Aromatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aromatic): Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators. - [Pendulous Form](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pendulous-form): Describing a plant or anatomical structure that droops or hangs downwards. - [Cluster Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/cluster-flower): Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem. - [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight. - [Summer Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/summer-blooming): Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished. - [Edible](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible): Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption. ## Collections - [Flowers](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/flowers) - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## 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 to identify Nasturtium? Count the petals where you can, then compare the flower's center, its symmetry, how the blooms are grouped and the leaves below. Color varies between garden varieties and shifts with the light. Flower Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Little Italy](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/little-italy) — California, US · Neighborhood - [Presidio Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/presidio-park) — California, US · Nature Reserve - [Arboretum at the University of California, Santa Cruz](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arboretum-at-the-university-of-california-santa-cruz) — California, US · Botanical Garden - [Conservatory of Flowers](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/conservatory-of-flowers) — California, US · Botanical Garden - [Heal the Bay Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/heal-the-bay-aquarium) — California, US · Zoo - [International Peace Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/international-peace-garden) — US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Nasturtium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/nasturtium) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Nasturtium: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/nasturtium)