Virginia pepperweed (Lepidium virginicum)

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

Lepidium virginicum is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from May to October. 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. 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: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich source of vitamin C and have a hot cress-like flavour. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; The leaves are a rich source of vitamin C and have a hot cress-like flavour.; Chopped finely and added to salads, used as a garnish or cooked as greens.; Unripe seedpods have a pleasantly pungent flavour and can be eaten raw or used as a condiment in soups and stews.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry sandy soils in waste places and by roads. Avoids dense woods and wet places. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)