Shining Pepperweed, Howell's pepperweed
Lepidium nitidum
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Lepidium nitidum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Open places below 900 metres in California.
Western N. America - Washington to California.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves and flowering tops - raw or cooked. A hot cress-like flavour, they can be cooked and used as greens. Seed. Used as a flavouring.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
A decoction of the plant has been used as a hair wash to keep the scalp clean and prevent baldness.
Hair: Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.
How it is grown
We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination should take place within 3 weeks.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist