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Submodule 5: Most Common Western Rangelands Weeds

Perennial Pepperweed

Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), a perennial forb, is also known as tall white top. Initially, shoots form a low-growing rosette that may persist for several weeks. Rosette leaves are 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) long and 1 to 3 inches (2.5-8 cm) wide. In May, the stem starts growing taller. The mature plant has many branching, erect stems that can grow over 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and can be woody at the base. Stems have many long, slender, bright green leaves that can have a smooth or serrated margin. Lower leaves are larger and have leaf stems while upper leaves are smaller and do not have leaf stems. Flowering occurs from early summer to fall, producing numerous small white 4-petaled florets in dense clusters near the top of stems. The fruits are small, flat pods about 0.1 in (0.25 cm) long; each contains 2 seeds that drop from the plant during the winter.

 

 

Perennial pepperweed (photo courtesy USGS)

 

 

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