[4] It is native to southern Europe and western Asia, and naturalized elsewhere[5] It has been cultivated as a leaf vegetable in England since the 17th century.

The leaves are alternate and pinnate with clasping auricles at the base and between 4 and 11 pairs of sub-opposite lobes.

Like watercress, it loves water, but does not do well when partially submerged for long periods of time.

This plant needs full sun or partial shade and moist or poorly drained soil.

[4] Other common names include dryland cress, cassabully, and American watercress.