- Pepperwort
taxobox
name = Pepperwort
regnum =Plantae
unranked_divisio =Angiosperms
unranked_classis =Eudicots
unranked_ordo =Rosids
ordo =Brassicales
familia =Brassicaceae
genus = "Lepidium "
species = "L. latifolium"
binomial = "Lepidium latifolium"
binomial_authority = L.|"Lepidium latifolium", also known as Pepperwort, Pepperweed, Peppergrass, Dittander, Dittany, and Tall White Top, is a
perennial plant that is a member of the mustard and cabbage family.Native to southern
Europe ,Mediterranean countries andAsia as far east as theHimalayas , it is anintroduced species inNorth America , where it grows throughout theUnited States andMexico ."L. latifolium" normally grows to between 30 cm and 1 m, but may grow as tall at 2 m. The plants have numerous woody stems, alternating waxy leaves and clusters of small, white flowers. It produces small (1.6 mm) fruits which each contain two, reddish seeds.
Dried stems of "L. latifolium" are sometimes used in flower arrangements.
The plant is perceived as a threat to
salt marsh es in southernNew Hampshire , recently prompting the Department of Environmental Services and theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to look for it in the Hampton–Seabrook Estuary, where it is thought to have spread. The agencies are recruiting volunteers to help look for and properly remove it from this area. [cite news| title=NH looking for volunteers to stop invasive plant | publisher=Associated Press | date=2008-06-16 | url=http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080616/NEWS/80616016/-1/NEWS19&sfad=1 | accessdate=2008-06-17]Edible uses
The leaves and shoots of this plant, and the seed pods are all edible. The leaves are said to have a
watercress -like peppery taste which is good forsalads . The seed pods are sometimes added tostir-fry s.References
External links
* [http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weed_info/Written_findings/Lepidium_latifolium2.html Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board]
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