This biennial from southwestern Europe (reputedly) is widely scattered over temperate North America. But, in Ky. at least, it is much less common than vulgaris. Ecological differences are not clear, though verna is generally more robust in its dimensions, more lobed in its leaves, and less bitter to taste. It is a traditional "land cress" cultivated for food by early Europaean settlers in North America, but then introduced and naturalized in British gardens as "American Cress."