Although the watercress is the best known, there are actually over thirty different cresses, many of which have leaves that can be added to salads or soups. The name of the plant derives from kreson, a Germanic word meaning to creep, and therefore descriptive of how the plant grows. In English, cress dates back to the eighth century, but watercress is not referred to until the fifteenth century.
Cress is a plant that is native to Europe and North America. It grows quickly and easily on any damp patch of ground and is a popular salad ingredient. Although it is a fairly rich source of vitamins A and C, the amount consumed at a serving is too small to contribute much nutritional value to the diet.