nasturtium

noun

nas·​tur·​tium nə-ˈstər-shəm 

na-

: any of a genus (Tropaeolum of the family Tropaeolaceae, the nasturtium family) of herbs of Central and South America with showy spurred flowers and pungent edible seeds and leaves

especially : either of two widely cultivated ornamentals (T. majus and T. minus)

Illustration of nasturtium

Examples of nasturtium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For natural squash bug control, try companion planting with yarrow, borage, zinnias, sunflowers, chives, or nasturtiums. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 20 July 2026

Other classic spiller plants are ivy, licorice plants, and nasturtiums. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2026

Some quick-growing annual seeds such as zinnias, morning glories, marigolds, sweet peas, cosmos, and nasturtiums can even be direct-sown. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 July 2026

The strong scent of nasturtiums naturally repels destructive insects, such as cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and whiteflies. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, a cress

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nasturtium

noun

nas·​tur·​tium nə-ˈstər-shəm 

na-

: any of a genus of herbs with showy flowers and edible sharp-tasting seeds and leaves