Lepidium campestre aka Bastard Cress

Lepidium campestre is known as field pepperwort or field cress. Other names include cow cress and poor man's pepper. It belongs to Brassicaceae, the mustard family. Its native range runs from Europe to the Caucasus. This includes Britain and Ireland, where RHS records it as native. It grows in temperate regions. Its habitats include dry pasture, banks, walls, and roadsides. It also grows on farmland and waste ground.

This plant lives as an annual or a biennial. It reaches about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. Its short life cycle suits growing it from seed. Sow seeds where they will grow in spring or autumn. Plants For A Future gives a germination time of about three weeks. Its habitat records include both open ground and sites near walls. The same source lists meadows as a possible garden setting.

Flowers appear from May to August. Each flower has both male and female organs. The plant is self-fertile, and flies sometimes pollinate its flowers. Its young seedpods have a sharp taste and a food use. These pods can add flavour to hot soups and stews. The seeds also serve as a pepper substitute. These uses help explain several of its pepper-related common names.

Plants For A Future describes field pepperwort as easy to grow. It accepts sandy soil, loam, and clay. It also tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline ground. Grow it in full sun or light shade. It prefers soil that is dry or moist. These broad tolerances give gardeners several choices of planting site. However, the source flags it as a potential weed. That matters when choosing a place for it in gardens.

Young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked. Spring is the preferred season for gathering these parts. Their hot, cress-like taste suits use in small amounts. Chop them finely to add flavour to salads. The plant's food value lies chiefly in its pungent flavour. Plants For A Future rates its edible value at two out of five. It lists no known medicinal or other uses. It also reports no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for pets or every person.