Lepidium nitidum
Nutt.
Shining Pepperweed, Howell's pepperweed
(c) birdgal5, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND)
(c) birdgal5, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND)
(c) Jerry Kirkhart, some rights reserved (CC BY)
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves, Seed
Condiment. Young leaves and flowering tops - raw or cooked. A hot cress-like flavour, they can be cooked and used as greens. Seed. Used as a flavouring.
Where to Find It
Western N. America - Washington to California.
NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Oregon (west), Washington (southwest), California), Mexico (Baja California (Norte))
How to Identify
Lepidium nitidum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
How to Grow
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.
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination should take place within 3 weeks.
Other Uses
HairA decoction of the plant has been used as a hair wash to keep the scalp clean and prevent baldness.
