Lepidium virginicum aka Virginia Peppergrass

Lepidium virginicum is a short-lived plant in the mustard family, Brassicaceae. Its common names include least pepperwort and American pepper cress. Bird's pepper and wild pepper grass are other names. Its native range runs from Canada through Central America and the Caribbean. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Beyond its home range, it has become a naturalized weed. These records span both temperate and tropical regions.

The plant lives as an annual or biennial. References give a usual height of about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. A broader reported range is 0.7–2.3 feet [0.2–0.7 metres]. Its upright stem tends to branch near the top. Some plants form many branches instead. Sources record it along roads, in old fields, and on waste ground. It also grows on sandy shores, gravel banks, and dry slopes. Other records include meadows, pastures, woods, and stream banks.

Flowers appear from May to October in the cited growing account. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between flowers. The plant later forms seedpods, which have food uses while young. The supplied accounts give little detail about flower or leaf shape. They do not describe a showy garden display. Its main documented value lies in its edible leaves, pods, and seeds.

This is an easy plant to grow in most soils. It accepts sand, loam, and clay. It also tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline ground. Grow it in full sun or light shade. The cultivation account states a preference for moist soil. Yet habitat records also place it in dry, sandy ground. One account notes that it avoids wet sites and dense woods. Sow seed where it will grow in spring. Germination usually takes about two weeks. Its weed potential deserves attention when choosing a garden site.

Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked as greens. They supply vitamin C and have a sharp, cress-like taste. Chopped leaves can go into salads or serve as garnish. Unripe pods add pungency to soups and stews. The seeds can stand in for pepper. Sources also record traditional medicinal uses of leaves and seeds. These reports do not establish treatment safety or effectiveness. Both food-use accounts list no known hazards. That statement does not confirm safety for pets.