(Peppergrass)
Lepidium virginicum, Four Mile Area, Chaffee Co. 6283
Lepidium virginicum, Four Mile Area, Chaffee Co. 6271
Lepidium virginicum, Four Mile Area, Chaffee Co. 9830
Lepidium virginicum, Four Mile Area, Chaffee Co. 9812
Lepidium virginicum, Four Mile Area, Chaffee Co. 9828
Lepidium virginicum, Four Mile Area, Chaffee Co. 6279
| Scientific Name | Lepidium virginicum | USDA PLANTS Symbol | LEVI3 |
| Common Name | Peppergrass, Virginia Pepperweed | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 22955 |
| Family | Brassicaceae (Mustard) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Widely distributed in North America; in Colorado, plains to foothills (5000 to 9500 ft.); dry, usually open areas. Plant: Erect, leafy annual 4 to 20 inches tall. Leaves: Leaves alternate; lower leaves 2 to 6 inches long, spatulate to obovate, with a few pointed teeth along edges (pinnately lobed to dissected); upper leaves not clasping, smaller than lower leaves, linear to oblanceolate, tips pointed, sometimes toothed edges, sparsely hairy. Inflorescence: Multiple clusters (racemes) up to 4 inches long with many small flowers each with 4 green sepals, 4 white petals nearly twice as long as sepals, and 2 to 4 stamens. Bloom Period: May to August. Fruit: Small, flattened round to elliptical green pod (turning brownish) about 1/8-inch long. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and SEINet. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains