Page authors: Ben Legler, David Giblin
Lepidium perfoliatum
clasping-leaved peppergrass, round-leaved peppergrass, yellow-flowered peppergrass
Immature silicles.
Specimens
Photos

Distribution: Occurring chiefly east of the Cascades crest in Washington; British Columbia to California, east to the Atlantic Coast.

Habitat: Disturbed areas, such as overgrazed land and waste areas, usually where dry.

Flowers: March-June

Origin: Introduced from Eurasia

Growth Duration: Annual, Biennial

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Pollination: Bumblebees, bees, flies, beetles, wasps

Description:
General:

Annual herb with simple or branched stems 20-60 cm tall.

Leaves:

Alternate; lower leaves deeply pinnately dissected or compound; upper leaves simple and strongly clasping the stem.

Flowers:

Yellow, small, with 4 petals; in elongate racemes at ends of stems.

Fruits:

Small ovate capsules (silicles) to 4 mm long.

Identification Notes:

Look for the dissected lower leaves, strongly clasping (seemingly perfoliate) upper leaves, small yellow flowers with 4 petals, and small ovate silicles.

Accepted Name:
Lepidium perfoliatum L.
Publication: Sp. Pl. 2: 643. 1753.

Synonyms & Misapplications:
Nasturtium perfoliatum (L.) Besser
Additional Resources:

PNW Herbaria: Specimen records of Lepidium perfoliatum in the Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria database

WA Flora Checklist: Lepidium perfoliatum checklist entry

OregonFlora: Lepidium perfoliatum information

E-Flora BC: Lepidium perfoliatum atlas page

CalPhotos: Lepidium perfoliatum photos

32 photographs:
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