Shield pepperweed (Lepidium perfoliatum)

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Lepidium perfoliatum is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - raw or cooked. A hot cress-like flavour. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; A hot cress-like flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste places and dry sandy slopes from near sea level to 1000 metres in western China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)