Narrow Leaved Peppergrass, Rroadside pepperweed

Lepidium ruderale

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Basic Information

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

Genus: lepidium

Plant ID (slug): lepidium-ruderale

Numeric ID: 23046

USDA Hardiness: Coming soon

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Lepidium ruderale is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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 moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to the Mediterranean and southwest Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked. A hot cress-like flavour[177].

Medicinal Uses

Hypotensive Skin The plant is used in the treatment of impetigo[240]. An aqueous extract of the herb causes a drop in blood pressure and depresses respiration[240].