Tropaeolum majus

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Garden nasturtium

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Brassicales
Family:	Tropaeolaceae
Genus:	Tropaeolum
Species:	T. majus

Binomial name

Tropaeolum majus
L.

Tropaeolum majus (Garden nasturtium, Indian cress) is a medicinal and ornamental plant in the Tropaeolaceae family, or the Nasturtium family.

Flowers:
- Yellow to orange to red, usually a single color, but also often lightly marked with others towards the center
- 5 petals: 2 upper and 3 lower
- 5 lobed calyx with long spur
- 8 stamens that vary in size.
- will grow to more than 2.5" wide.

Blooms:
- All year.

Leaves:
- Large, nearly circular, with petiole near center and radiating light veins.

Fruit/Seeds:
- 3 segment fruit, each with single large seed.
- Blooms and seeds all year round.

Location:
- Local lawns and gardens, disturbed areas everywhere at all elevations.

Status:
- Invasive.

Other Comments:
Has a rambling, vine-like growing habit, spreads out along ground and will climb shrubs, trees and any trellis or climbing aid you put in place if it helps it get to more sun. Plants may be annual or perennial, depending upon variety. You may propogate the plant via seed, its vine-like runners, and or cuttings.

Garden Nasturtiums are known for their natural, rambling beauty (often depicted in [Arts and Crafts wares]http://www.jaustinantiques.com/photos/145_l.jpg) but are also popular because both their leaves and flowers are edible and can be used in salads, imparting a delicately peppery flavor.