Dittander (Lepidium latifolium, Sp. pl. 2:644. 1753)

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 2:644. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lepidium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Eurasia, N. Africa to Arabian Pen.

Description

Dittander, scientifically known as Lepidium latifolium, is a perennial plant belonging to the family Brassicaceae. First described in 1753 in “Species Plantarum” by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this resilient species exhibits a diverse range of morphological and ecological traits that make it a notable presence in varied landscapes.

Indigenous to temperate regions of Eurasia, Dittander also thrives across Northern Africa and extends its reach to the Arabian Peninsula. This wide geographic distribution underscores its adaptability to different climatic conditions and soil types, marking it as a notable example of botanical versatility.

Lepidium latifolium typically displays an erect growth habit, characterized by its broad leaves and small, white flowers arranged in dense clusters. These attributes not only contribute to its distinctive appearance but also play an important role in its reproductive strategy and ecological interactions. The plant’s capacity to produce an abundance of seeds ensures its persistence and proliferation across various habitats.

The ecological importance of Dittander is further highlighted by its role in local ecosystems. It serves as a valuable food source for various insect species and can contribute to soil stabilization through its extensive root system. However, it is also noted for its vigorous growth, which in some regions has led to its classification as an invasive species, outcompeting native flora and necessitating management efforts to control its spread.

In traditional and contemporary contexts, Dittander has been utilized for its potential medicinal properties. Historically, it has been employed in treatments for a variety of ailments, although modern scientific validation of these uses remains limited. Moreover, its peppery flavor has also seen it used as a culinary herb, adding a distinctive taste to various dishes.

In summary, Dittander (Lepidium latifolium) is a multifaceted plant with a rich historical background, notable ecological contributions, and diverse applications. Its resilience and adaptability make it a species of interest both for scientific study and practical use in horticulture and natural resource management.

Common Names

Dan: almindelig bjerg-fyr, fransk bjerg-fyr, strand-karse
Deu: breitblatt-kresse, breitblättrige kresse
Eng: broadleaved pepperweed, virginia pepperweed, broadleaf peppergrass, broadleaf pepperweed, broadleaf pepperwort, broadleaved peppergrass, dittander, peppergrass, peppergrass mustard, perennial pepper cress, perennial peppercress, perennial peppergrass, perennial pepperweed, perennial pepperwort, tall whitetop, broad-leaved peppergrass
Swe: fransk bergtall, ormskinnstall, strandtall, vanlig bergtall, bitterkrassing, isokrassi, bitterkrasse
Fra: grande passerage, passerage à larges feuilles, lépidie à feuilles larges, herbe au poivre, passerage à feuilles larges
Lit: pla
Por: erva-pimenteira
Fin: isokrassi
Spa: lepidio, mastuerzo montesino, piperisa
Nld: peperkers
Lav: platlapu cietķērsa
Nno: strandkarse
Nob: strandkarse
Ces: řeřicha širolistá, žerucha širokolistá
Cym: berw’r gwyllt, berwr gwyllt, puburllys llydanddail, puburlys, pupurlys, pupurlys llydanddail, pybyrllys, pybyrllys llydanddail
En: Dittander, Perennial pepper cress, Perennial peppergrass, Perennial pepperweed, Perennial pepperwort, Peppergrass, Tall whitetop, Broadleaf peppergrass, Broadleaf pepperwort, Broadleaved pepperweed, Virginia pepperweed, Broadleaf pepperweed, Broadleaved peppergrass, Peppergrass mustard, Perennial peppercress, Broad-leaved peppergrass
Cs: Řeřicha širolistá, Žerucha širokolistá
Da: Almindelig bjerg-fyr, Fransk bjerg-fyr, Strand-karse
Nl: Peperkers
Fi: Isokrassi
Fr: Grande passerage, Passerage à larges feuilles, Lépidie à feuilles larges, Herbe au poivre, Passerage à feuilles larges
De: Breitblättrige Kresse, Breitblatt-Kresse
He: שחליים גבוהים
It: Lepidio latifoglio
Lv: Platlapu cietķērsa
Lt: Pla
Nb: Strandkarse
Nn: Strandkarse
Pt: Erva-pimenteira
Pt-br: Mostarda-perene
Es: Piperisa, Lepidio, Mastuerzo montesino, Piperisia
Sv: Bitterkrassing, Fransk bergtall, Ormskinnstall, Strandtall, Vanlig bergtall, Isokrassi, Bitterkrasse
Cy: Berw’r Gwyllt, Berwr Gwyllt, Puburllys Llydanddail, Puburlys, Pupurlys, Pupurlys Llydanddail, Pybyrllys, Pybyrllys Llydanddail

Synonyms

• Nasturtium latifolium ((L.) Crantz)
• Lepidium latifolium var. europaeum (Alef.)
• Nasturtiastrum latifolium ((L.) Gillet & Magne)
• Lepidium latifolium subsp. eulatifolium (Thell.)
• Lepidium latifolium f. pubescens (Kuusk)
• Lepidium dioscaridis (Bubani)
• Cardaria latifolia ((L.) Spach)
• Lepidium latifolium var. mongolicum (Franch.)
• Crucifera latifolia ((L.) E.H.L.Krause)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Belarus (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Kriti (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Mexico Northeast (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• Nevada (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Northwest European R (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Wyoming (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Алена Подольская (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2022 by Jesse Jarvis (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2019 by Colette Dorion (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2018 by Ricardo Aperador Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2018 by Colorado Natural (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 19, 2000 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2022 by Stefan Randegger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2020 by احمد الحايك (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 5, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2022 by warren williamson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by Gilda Krüger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Chamo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 6, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 16, 2008 by EOL − Jorg and Mimi Fleige (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2021 by Siegfried Wenus (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 3, 2020 by joselu_4 (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2021 by Irène MARIETTE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 16, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 11, 1853 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2022 by Stefana Popova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Luc Gorremans (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Luc Gorremans (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5376692)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:286262-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lepidium latifolium L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 7

Soil salinity: 1