Nasturtium Throughout History
Sixteenth Century
Nasturtium is discovered in Peru
1638 - 1715
King Louis XIV reign in France lead to some very hard times for the people. Many people turned to using nasturtium as a source of food and spices. This hardy plant was easy to grow and easily accessible to people who were in need of food.
1831
Nasturtium is found in the wild for the first time at Yale University. The flower that was discovered was the Rorripa nasturium-aquaticum
1837-1901
During the Victorian Era scurvy was ramped throughout Europe. The people once again turned to nasturtium, this time for its high levels of vitamin C and antibacterial properties.
1841
In 1841, the plant was discovered in the wild in the United States. The first place it was discovered was in Niagara, New York.
1857
Shortly after the discovery in New York, the flower won the title of a "rare escape of cultivation." In short, nasturtium, a non-native plant began reproducing at a rapid rate and became fully cultivated throughout the United States.
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1872 - 1874
During this period, nasturtium's medicinal and culinary properties take a back seat and it is now known for its beauty. The famous artist Monet spent these years doing many paintings with nasturtiums in many of the backgrounds. Monet's very own garden contained multiple species of nasturtium. This time period was known as the "impressionists exhibition."
Late 1800's Early 1900's
The nasturtium finally reaches the west coast and is found growing in the wild.
1912
Nasturtium once again shows up in the art world. Painter Henri Matisse, paints a master piece titled "Dance," that features nasturtium.
1930 - 1945
Nasturtium also played a minor role in World War II. The seeds were ground up and used as a pepper substitute because actual pepper was imported and hard to come by in this time period.
