Cress (disambiguation)

Cress is a common name for several plants with pungent edible leaves, particularly those in the family Brassicaceae (the mustard family). The term is often used to refer to garden cress, but can also refer to several other species of leafy plants.

Garden Cress

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) is a fast-growing, edible herb that is botanically related to watercress and mustard. It is native to the Middle East and is widely grown in India, the UK, the Netherlands, and other parts of Europe. The leaves have a peppery flavor and are used in salads and sandwiches.

Watercress

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia, and one of the oldest known leaf vegetables consumed by humans. It is a member of the family Brassicaceae and is noted for its peppery, tangy flavor.

Other Types of Cress

Other plants commonly referred to as cress include:

• Land cress (Barbarea verna), also known as American cress, is a biennial herb native to southwestern Europe. It is similar in taste and use to watercress.
• Winter cress (Barbarea vulgaris), also known as yellow rocket, is a common weed in moist areas and has edible leaves.
• Rock cress (Arabis), a genus of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae, native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
• Pepper cress (Lepidium), a genus of plants in the family Brassicaceae, some species of which are cultivated for their edible seeds or leaves.

See Also

• List of leaf vegetables
• Brassicaceae
• Herb