Lepidium fremontii - Desert Pepperweed

Family:	Cruciferae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.5
Synonyms:
Range:	South-western N. America.

Lepidium fremontii (Desert Pepperweed) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.5m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Desert Pepperweed will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Desert Pepperweed prefers either dry or moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Desert Pepperweed can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Rocky or sandy places in scrub or woods below 1500 metres in California[71].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade

Cultivation Details

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils.

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Young leaves - raw or cooked[61]. A hot cress-like flavour. Seed - dried and ground into a powder which can be used as a mush or mixed with cereal flours to make bread[161]. The seed can also be used as a flavouring[46, 61]. The seeds can be pounded, mixed with water and used as a beverage[257].

• Condiment - the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
• Drink - not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.
• Leaves -
• Seed - includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

A California Flora.
Munz.
Author: Munz.
Rating:
Publisher : An excellent flora but no pictures. Not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1959

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