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Extension

Plant Profile 
FYUSE 3D Image

Common Name: Pepperweed
Other Names: Peppergrass, Virginia Pepperweed
Species Name: Lepidium virginicum
Plant Type: Forb
Family Name: Brassicaceae, Mustard Family

Plant Facts 
OriginNative
DurationAnnual or biennial
Distribution in the U.S.Throughout the country
Distribution in OklahomaThroughout the state

ID Characteristics

  • Field Identification Characteristics

    Vegetative

    • Recognized by profuse branching at top
    • Leaves at base serrated becoming thinner and smooth-edged near the top
    • Plant may branch or not branch

    Floral

    • Seed heads column-like
  • Leaf and Stem Characteristics
    • Leaf Type: Simple 
    • Leaf Arrangement: Alternate 
    • Leaf Shape: Linear
    • Stipules: Absent
  • Floral Characteristics
    • Petal Number: 4, unfused
    • Flower Color: White
    • Flower Timing: March-July
    • Fruit Type: Silicles
Habitat/Ecology 
Soil TypeVarying
HabitatRecently disturbed soil such as construction sites, feedlots, right-of-ways and waste sites
Successional StageEarly