Desert Pepperweed

Lepidium fremontii

Physical Characteristics

Lepidium fremontii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). 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 dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Drink Young leaves - raw or cooked[61]. A hot cress-like flavour. Seed - dried and ground into a powder which can be used as a mush or mixed with cereal flours to make bread[161]. The seed can also be used as a flavouring[46, 61]. The seeds can be pounded, mixed with water and used as a beverage[257].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known