Is There a Difference Between Cress and Watercress?

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a study by the CDC, watercress ranks as the most nutrient-dense vegetable, highlighting its impressive nutritional profile. While often confused due to their similar, peppery flavor, the crucial distinction hinges on the question, "Is there a difference between cress and watercress?" The answer lies in their unique growth habits, botanical classifications, and culinary uses.

Quick Summary

Watercress and garden cress are different species within the mustard family with distinct growth habits and characteristics. Watercress is an aquatic perennial requiring wet conditions, while garden cress is a fast-growing annual that thrives in soil.

Key Points

Botanical Difference: Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum) are distinct species within the same plant family, Brassicaceae.
Growing Environment: Watercress is aquatic, needing wet conditions, while garden cress is typically grown in soil.
Flavor Profile: Watercress generally has a stronger, more pungent peppery flavor, while garden cress is milder and tangier.
Nutritional Value: Both are nutrient-dense, but watercress is particularly high in Vitamin K, while garden cress is especially rich in folate.
Best Uses: Watercress is versatile for both cooking and salads, whereas the more delicate garden cress is often used fresh in sandwiches and as a garnish.
Appearance: Watercress has larger, rounder leaves, and thicker stems, in contrast to garden cress's smaller, frillier leaves.

Cress vs. Watercress: A Botanical Breakdown

While the terms "cress" and "watercress" are often used interchangeably, they refer to different plants, albeit ones that belong to the same botanical family, Brassicaceae (the mustard family). This family also includes vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and arugula, explaining the characteristic peppery bite these greens share. Understanding the specific type of cress, typically garden cress, is key to differentiating it from its aquatic cousin, watercress.

Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum)

Garden cress is a fast-growing annual plant that is widely grown for its small, delicate leaves. It is often sold as "salad cress" or "mustard and cress" in a punnet, ready to be snipped and used. It thrives in soil and requires consistently moist, but not waterlogged, conditions. Its growth cycle is rapid, with seedlings ready for harvest in as little as a week or two. The flavor is tangy and peppery, making it a popular addition to sandwiches and salads.

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)

Watercress, on the other hand, is a perennial aquatic or semi-aquatic plant that grows in and around slow-moving streams and springs. The name comes from the Latin "nasus tortus," meaning "twisted nose," referring to its pungent, peppery flavor. Its growing conditions are its most defining feature, requiring constant access to water to flourish. Commercially, it is often grown hydroponically to ensure a consistent, clean supply. The mature leaves are slightly larger and rounder than garden cress, and the stems are more succulent.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Cress vs. Watercress


Feature	Watercress	Garden Cress
Botanical Name	Nasturtium officinale	Lepidium sativum
Growth Habit	Perennial aquatic or semi-aquatic	Fast-growing annual
Growing Conditions	Requires constantly wet or flowing water	Grows in moist soil or absorbent material
Harvest Time	Slower to mature, harvested as mature leaves	Rapid, ready in 1-2 weeks as seedlings
Leaf Shape	Larger, rounder leaves	Small, delicate, often frilly leaves
Flavor Profile	Pungent and peppery	Tangy and slightly peppery
Nutritional Profile	Extremely nutrient-dense per calorie, high in Vitamin K	Rich in vitamins A, C, and K; especially high in folate

Culinary Uses: Choosing the Right Green

The culinary applications for each green often depend on their texture and flavor intensity. Watercress, with its more robust and pungent flavor, stands up well in soups, sauces, and cooked dishes. It provides a sharp, fresh note that can cut through rich flavors. Garden cress, with its more delicate structure and milder taste, is best used fresh as a garnish, in sandwiches, or added to salads at the last minute to prevent wilting.

Practical Culinary Tips

For sandwiches: Use delicate garden cress seedlings for a classic egg-and-cress combination.
For soups and sauces: Watercress adds a spicy kick to pureed green soups or can be wilted into hot sauces.
For salads: Both can be used, but consider the texture. Watercress adds a distinct crunch, while garden cress offers a softer texture.

Is one better than the other?

Neither cress nor watercress is inherently "better"; the choice depends on your culinary purpose and preferred flavor profile. Watercress holds a reputation as a nutrient powerhouse, but garden cress also offers significant nutritional benefits. The primary distinction lies in their growth and use, not their inherent quality.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Cress and Watercress

Ultimately, the question, "Is there a difference between cress and watercress?" is best answered by recognizing them as distinct yet related greens within the mustard family. While both are celebrated for their peppery flavor and nutritional value, watercress is an aquatic perennial with a stronger flavor, while garden cress is a fast-growing, soil-based annual with a milder taste. Understanding their unique attributes allows you to appreciate each one for what it is and use it to its full potential in the kitchen.

Learn more about growing your own cress and watercress by visiting West Coast Seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, watercress is a specific type of cress. The term "cress" broadly refers to several peppery greens in the Brassicaceae family, with watercress and garden cress being the two most common types.

The easiest way to tell them apart is by their growth habit and appearance. Watercress has thicker, rounder leaves and is found near water sources, while garden cress has smaller, more delicate, and often frilly leaves and is grown in soil.

You can, but it might change the flavor and texture. Garden cress has a milder, tangier flavor and more delicate leaves, so it may not hold up as well in cooked dishes where watercress's robust flavor is desired.

Both are exceptionally healthy and nutrient-dense greens. Watercress is often cited for its high vitamin K content, while garden cress is notably rich in folate. The 'healthier' option depends on your specific nutritional needs.

Growing watercress at home is possible, but it requires specific conditions. You'll need a container with constantly wet soil or standing water to mimic its natural aquatic habitat.

Upland cress (Barbarea verna), or land cress, is another relative of watercress. It is a land-based plant with a flavor similar to watercress, making it a good substitute for those who cannot replicate watercress's growing environment.

Yes, garden cress is very easy to grow indoors. It grows quickly on moist absorbent materials like cotton wool or paper towel in a shallow tray, making it a popular microgreen.