Watercress is distributed worldwide. Here in North America, the plant is deemed an invasive species. Some 45 states have also listed watercress as an invasive aquatic plant. I did not find it listed as such here in Montana.
The plant, if you are unfamiliar,
is an aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial herb.
Here in Montana, you may find
watercress growing in and along the riffled edge of mountain springs and creeks
in the western half of the state. The
plant grows low and tends to create something of a mat. I often find it in small clusters here and
there in freshwater springs. The plant
produces a small white flower when blooming.
Watercress, at the same time it
is considered invasive, is considered a “superfood.” This plant is also one of the more ancient
greens regularly used by humans.
Watercress is packed with calcium, magnesium, potassium, dietary
nitrates, and the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid. All good stuff. Stuff that runs around inside your body tweaking
functions back to normal.
When I was a boy my father and I
sometimes gathered watercress from springs on our way home from hunting deer in
the mountains. The plant is somewhat fragile
and crisp and is readily plucked from the water. We used the cleaned sprays of watercress in
salads. The plant has a slight peppery
taste. Something close to the taste of a
mild radish. I like it.
On my ride to the mountains the
other day, I spotted watercress in one of the small creeks prancing along
beside us as we drove up a narrow ravine.
We stopped and gathered a bag of leafy sprays from the waters. I cleaned the watercress upon arriving at
home that night and have been adding it to salads ever since.
I know of several areas within
a half-hour of my home where I can find watercress. I may make a few visits there in the coming
months.
A Watercress Mat
Along the Creek
Cleaned Watercress
—Mitchell Hegman
Sources: https://www.fs.fed.us, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com, http://fieldguide.mt.gov, http://fieldguide.mt.gov
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