Abundance: common
What: flowers and leaves
How: raw
Where: yards, flower beds
When: spring, summer
Nutritional Value: Vit. C
Leaf Arrangement: Leaves are alternately arranged along the stem, with some varieties having a nearly peltate (shield-like) appearance.
Leaf Shape: Circular to kidney-shaped, typically measuring 2 to 5 inches in diameter.
Leaf Venation: The venation pattern is orbicular, radiating from the leaf's central point.
Leaf Margin: Margins are smooth and entire.
Leaf Color: Bright green, sometimes with a slightly lighter or variegated appearance.
Flower Structure: Solitary on long stalks, five-petaled with a distinctive spur, each flower measuring about 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
Flower Color: Colors range from yellow to orange and red, often with a peppery flavor.
Fruit: Produces a three-segmented capsule, each segment containing a single seed.
Seed: Seeds are large, wrinkled, and beige or brown.
Stem: Stems are trailing or climbing, slender, and can be either smooth or slightly hairy.
Hairs: Stems and leaves may have fine hairs, giving them a slightly rough texture.
Height: Plant height varies depending on growing conditions, generally reaching 1 to 2 feet tall or sprawling wider when trailing.
Nasturtium flower
Nasturtium plant
Nasturtium flowers have a strong peppery-radish taste which really spices up a salad. They can also be added to assorted pickled foods for extra flavor. Blend some of the flowers into mayonnaise for spicy sandwich spread.
They make good companion plants for cabbage-family plants as they drive away harmful insects that want to munch on your plants. They will also help protect tomatoes, cucumbers and fruit trees.
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