Watson, in the original 1876 publication, spelled it with a double "l" and stated that it was named after "Gambell," collector of the type specimen.

Hence Watson's error must stand uncorrected in the scientific epithet, though no such rules apply to the common name.

[8] Nasturtium gambellii is a perennial herb growing decumbent to erect, its branching stems reaching up to 2 meters long.

[2][5][7][9][10] This rare plant grows in fresh and brackish water habitat, such as lakesides and marshes.

Two of its remaining California occurrences are at Oso Flaco Lake at the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes and on coastal land on Vandenberg Air Force Base.