Onerow Yellowcress: A Wetland Plant to Avoid in Your Garden
If you’re drawn to aquatic plants for your water garden or wetland restoration project, you might come across onerow yellowcress (Nasturtium microphyllum). While this perennial herb might seem like an attractive option with its delicate white flowers and lush green foliage, there’s an important reason why most gardeners should steer clear of this particular species.
What is Onerow Yellowcress?
Onerow yellowcress is a perennial forb that belongs to the mustard family. This herbaceous plant lacks woody stems and produces small clusters of white flowers that can be quite charming in aquatic settings. As an obligate wetland species, it thrives in consistently wet conditions and can even grow while partially submerged in water.
You might also encounter this plant under several scientific synonyms, including Rorippa microphylla and various forms of Nasturtium officinale, which can make identification a bit tricky for novice gardeners.
Where Does Onerow Yellowcress Grow?
Originally native to Europe and western Asia, onerow yellowcress has established itself as a non-native species across much of North America. You’ll find it growing wild in an impressive range of locations, from Alaska and Hawaii to states throughout the lower 48, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, and many others. It’s also present in several Canadian provinces.
Why You Should Think Twice About Planting It
Here’s where things get concerning: onerow yellowcress is classified as Potentially Invasive, Prohibited in Connecticut, and its aggressive spreading nature means it could pose similar problems in other regions. As a non-native species that reproduces spontaneously and persists without human intervention, it has the potential to outcompete native wetland plants and disrupt local ecosystems.
The plant’s ability to thrive in wetland conditions—from Alaska’s chilly waters to Hawaii’s tropical wetlands—demonstrates just how adaptable and potentially problematic it can become.
Growing Conditions (If You Must Know)
Should you encounter this plant in the wild or need to identify it, here’s what to look for:
- Thrives in full sun to partial shade
- Requires constantly moist to submerged conditions
- Prefers rich, organic soil
- Hardy in USDA zones 3-9
- Spreads aggressively through wetland areas
Wildlife and Pollinator Interactions
While onerow yellowcress does produce small white flowers that can attract pollinators like flies and small bees, the potential ecological disruption it causes generally outweighs these benefits. Native wetland plants typically provide much better support for local wildlife and pollinators that have evolved alongside them.
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of risking the introduction of onerow yellowcress to your wetland garden, consider these native alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal without the invasive concerns:
- Wild watercress (if native to your region)
- Native sedges and rushes
- Regional native wetland wildflowers
- Indigenous aquatic plants specific to your local ecosystem
The Bottom Line
While onerow yellowcress might catch your eye with its delicate flowers and lush wetland growth, it’s best left out of intentional plantings. Its invasive potential and non-native status make it a poor choice for responsible gardeners who want to support local ecosystems. Instead, focus on native wetland species that will provide beauty, wildlife habitat, and ecological benefits without the risk of aggressive spreading.
If you’re planning a water garden or wetland restoration project, consult with local native plant societies or extension services to find the best indigenous species for your specific region. Your local ecosystem—and future generations of gardeners—will thank you for making the responsible choice.
