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 and Asia as far east as the Himalayas, it is an introduced species in North America, where it grows throughout the United States and Mexico.

"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 marshes in southern New Hampshire, recently prompting the Department of Environmental Services and the U.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 for salads. The seed pods are sometimes added to stir-frys.

References

External links

* [http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weed_info/Written_findings/Lepidium_latifolium2.html Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board]