Nasturtium

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is an annual flowering plant native to the Andes from Bolivia to Colombia. This fast-growing plant has yellow, orange, or red flowers approximately 2 inches wide, and round green leaves from 1 to 6 inches in diameter. The species is easy to grow and has become naturalized in the U.S. and other continents around the world. Organisms such as the catepillars of cabbage white butterflies can be found using these plants as food. Nasturtium leaves and flowers are edible, and are popular in salads, having a slightly peppery taste. They are ubiquitous in California.