Perennial aquatic herb, native of Europe with succulent leaves and reddish stems. Floats or lies in water or mud. Leaves have a peppery taste.
Perennials, aquatic, rhizomatous, rooting at proximal nodes, glabrous, sometimes pubescent. Stems prostrate or decumbent distinguish this from other Brassicaceae.
Habitat
Flowing streams, ditches, lake margins, swamps, marshes, and/or seeps.
Flower Characteristics
White, with 4 rounded petals yellowish at base, to 1/4 inch wide, in rounded, terminal cluster.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Dark green leaves are succulent, pinnately compound, alternate, to 6 inches long; 3 to 11 smooth, wavy leaflets broadly ovate each to 1/2 inch long (terminal leaflet is the longest).
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Cylindric or subclavate capsule, slender, curved, upward-pointing, smooth, shiny pod to 1/2 inch long, on 1/2 inch long stem.
Reddish-brown, ovoid.