Virginia Pepperweed

(Lepidium virginicum L.)

Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)

mature plants ▲▼

Virginia pepperweed  (mentioned on p. 212, Weeds of the Great Plains; pp. 178-179, Weeds of the Northeast)

·         cool season annual weed, grows 6-18" tall, but often can be found almost year-round

·         stems branched above base, not usually from base (like in field pepperweed)

·         elongated, toothed leaves, inflorescence a raceme of small whitish flowers that ripen to flat fruit, with entire inflorescence appearing like a bottle-brush

·         common in cultivated fields, particularly winter annual crops, meadows, gardens, roadsides