What is the common name for Tropaeolum majus?

The common name for Tropaeolum majus is nasturtium. It is also called garden nasturtium, Indian cress, or monk’s cress.

This colorful plant belongs to the family Tropaeolaceae and produces round, shield-like leaves with bright yellow, orange, or red flowers. It is widely grown as a fast-growing annual, although it can behave as a short-lived perennial in mild climates.

“Nasturtium” is a common-name connection to watercress, whose older scientific genus name is Nasturtium. Both plants have a peppery, mustard-like flavor, but they are not closely related: Tropaeolum majus belongs to Tropaeolaceae, while watercress belongs to the cabbage family.

The plant’s genus name, Tropaeolum, was coined by Carl Linnaeus and means “little trophy,” referring to the leaves’ resemblance to shields. Its edible flowers and leaves are often used in salads, making nasturtium both an ornamental and culinary garden plant.