Pepperwort, Field pepperweed
Lepidium campestre
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Lepidium campestre is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Occasionally flies. The plant is self-fertile. 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 dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Dry pastures, walls, banks, waysides, arable and waste land.
Most of Europe, including Britain, to W. Asia and the Caucasus.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked. They are best used in the spring. A hot cress-like flavour, they can be finely-chopped and added in small amounts as a flavouring in salads. Immature seedpods - a pungent flavour, they can be used as a flavouring in hot soups and stews. The seed can be used as a pepper substitute.
Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ. Germination should take place within 3 weeks.
Best place to grow: Meadow; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Annual/Biennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist