Broadleaved pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium)

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Lepidium latifolium is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in salads. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; A very hot cress-like flavour.; The leaves are nice when used in small quantities as a flavouring in salads.; Some reports also suggest using them as a potherb, though they have always seemed to be too strong for us to want to try this.

Habitat & North American Range

Salt marshes and wet sands on the south and east coasts. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)