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Lepidium virginicum var. menziesii

(DC.) C. L. Hitchc.

Menzies's pepperweed

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no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子

iNaturalist· cc-by-sa

(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman

iNaturalist· cc-by-sa

(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman

Lepidium virginicum, also known as least pepperwort or Virginia pepperweed, is an herbaceous plant in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is native to much of North America, including most of the United States and Mexico and southern regions of Canada, as well as most of Central America. It can be found elsewhere as an introduced species. Virginia pepperweed grows as a weed in most crops and is found in roadsides, landscapes and waste areas. It prefers sunny locales with dry soil.

Description

A herb.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The plant is edible. The young leaves can be used as a potherb, sautéed or used raw, such as in salads. The young seedpods can be used as a substitute for black pepper. The leaves contain protein, vitamin A and vitamin C.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are eaten as greens.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Synonyms

Lepidium medium GreeneLepidium menziensii DC.Lepidium robinsonii Thell.Nasturtium menziesii (DC.) Kuntze

References (1)

  • Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 301

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