Field pepperwort, Field cress, Cow cress, Mithridate pepperwort
Lepidium campestre
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Young leaves are edible raw or cooked, with a peppery flavor. Seeds can be used as a spice, similar to mustard. It can be a useful ground cover or green manure crop. Attracts beneficial insects. Some consider it a weed and use it as animal fodder.
Permapeople description
An annual or biennial plant with white flowers and distinctive seedpods. It is considered a weed in many areas.
Botanical description
Lepidium campestre is an annual or biennial plant in the family Brassicaceae. It grows to a height of 15-60 cm. The stem is erect, branched above. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate, and clasping the stem. The flowers are white, small, and arranged in racemes. The fruit is a silicle, oval to round, and contains two seeds. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, but has naturalized in North America and other parts of the world.
Companion planting
No specific companion planting information is widely available for Lepidium campestre. However, like other brassicas, it may benefit from being planted near aromatic herbs (rosemary, thyme) to deter pests. Avoid planting near other brassicas if clubroot is a concern.
Propagation methods
Propagation is primarily by seed. Self-seeding readily occurs. Seeds should be surface sown in spring or fall. Division of established plants may also be possible, though less common.
History and traditions
Historically, Lepidium campestre was used medicinally as a diuretic and antiscorbutic. It was also used as a food source during times of famine. In some cultures, it was believed to have aphrodisiac properties. There is limited modern usage.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs in spring and summer (May-August). Seeds mature in summer. Planting is typically done in spring or fall. Pruning isn't generally necessary, unless controlling spread.