Lepidium virginicum Wild pepper-grass (Cruciferae)

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Lepidium virginicum
Wild pepper-grass
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The Lepidium virginicum plant species is found in N. America - Quebec to Minnesota, south to Florida and Colorado. A casual in many parts of Britain. It is a member of the Cruciferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Wild pepper-grass. Some home gardeners know the variety as L. intermedium.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Lepidium virginicum
Common Name:  Wild pepper-grass
Family:  Cruciferae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.5   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Dry sandy soils[55] in waste places and by roads[43]. Avoids dense woods and wet places[159].

Medicinal Information: The leaves of wild pepper-grass are nutritious and generally detoxifying, they have been used to treat vitamin C deficiency and diabetes, and to expel intestinal worms[254]. The herb is also diuretic and of benefit in easing rheumatic pain[254]. North American Indians used the bruised fresh plant, or a tea made from the leaves to treat poison ivy rash and scurvy[222]. A poultice of the leaves was applied to the chest in the treatment of croup[222]. The seed is antiasthmatic, antitussive, cardiotonic and diuretic[176]. It is used in the treatment of coughs and asthma with excessive phlegm, oedema, oliguria and liquid accumulation in the thoraco-abdominal cavity[176].A poultice of the bruised roots has been used to draw out blisters[257]. The root is used to treat excess catarrh within the respiratory tract[254].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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