CRESS (Lepidium sativum). An annual garden plant (family Crucif erae ), known in the cultivated state at the present day in Europe, North Africa, western Asia and India, but of obscure origin. It is used in salads, the plants being cut and eaten while still in the seed-leaf, forming, along with plants of the white mustard in the same stage of growth, what is commonly called "small salad." The "golden" or "Australian" cress is a dwarf, yellowish-green, mild-flavoured sort, which is cut and eaten when a little more advanced in growth but while still young and tender. The "curled" or "Normandy" cress is very hardy and of good flavour. In this, which is allowed to grow like parsley, the leaves are picked for use while young; and, being finely cut and curled, they are well adapted for garnishing.