Lenspod Whitetop

Lepidium chalepense

Native to:
Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Lebanon-Syria, Pakistan, Russia, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Brassicaceae
Genus:
Lepidium
Species:
Lepidium chalepense
USDA Symbol:
CACH42

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
45 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
white

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Checkered White (Pontia protodice)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from deep, extensive root system after fire or disturbance.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment in a wide range of temperatures.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI