Common Pepperweed
Lepidium densiflorum
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Mexico, Prince Edward I.
Jim Pisarowicz
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Brassicaceae
- Genus:
- Lepidium
- Species:
- Lepidium densiflorum
- USDA Symbol:
- LEDE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Biennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 50 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, green
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Checkered White (Pontia protodice), Paramidea midea, Western white (Pontia occidentalis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Colonizes disturbed areas after fire; not fire-dependent but benefits from open, post-disturbance conditions.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in disturbed areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in spring or fall without pretreatment. Light may enhance germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI