Wild Pepper Grass, Virginia pepperweed, Intermediate pepperweed, Menzies' pepperweed, Hairy pepperwe

Lepidium virginicum

Physical Characteristics

Lepidium virginicum is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from May to October. 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.

Distribution

N. America - Quebec to Minnesota, south to Florida and Colorado. A casual in many parts of Britain.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seedpod Edible Uses: Condiment Young leaves - raw or cooked[55, 62, 159]. The leaves are a rich source of vitamin C[254] and have a hot cress-like flavour[144]. Chopped finely and added to salads, used as a garnish or cooked as greens[183]. Unripe seedpods have a pleasantly pungent flavour and can be eaten raw[55] or used as a condiment in soups and stews[183]. The seed is a pepper substitute[62, 159].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antiasthmatic Antiscorbutic Antitussive Cardiotonic Diuretic Vitamin C The leaves of wild pepper-grass are nutritious and generally detoxifying, they have been used to treat vitamin C deficiency and diabetes, and to expel intestinal worms[254]. The herb is also diuretic and of benefit in easing rheumatic pain[254]. North American Indians used the bruised fresh plant, or a tea made from the leaves to treat poison ivy rash and scurvy[222]. A poultice of the leaves was applied to the chest in the treatment of croup[222]. The seed is antiasthmatic, antitussive, cardiotonic and diuretic[176]. It is used in the treatment of coughs and asthma with excessive phlegm, oedema, oliguria and liquid accumulation in the thoraco-abdominal cavity[176].A poultice of the bruised roots has been used to draw out blisters[257]. The root is used to treat excess catarrh within the respiratory tract[254].

Known Hazards

None known