Family: Brassicaceae
Author: Nutt.
Bibliography: J.Torrey & A.Gray, Fl. N. Amer. 1: 116 (1838)
Year: 1838
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lepidium
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. & C. U.S.A. to Michigan, N. Mexico
Description
Mountain pepperplant, scientifically known as Lepidium montanum, is a species found predominantly in the western and central regions of the United States, extending its range to Michigan and New Mexico. This noteworthy member of the Brassicaceae family, was first described in 1838 by renowned botanists J. Torrey and A. Gray in their seminal work, “Flora of North America”.
Lepidium montanum, or Mountain pepperplant, thrives in its native habitat, adapting well to the varying conditions found across its extensive geographic range. This plant is characterized by its resilient nature, capable of enduring the diverse climates from the arid landscapes to the more temperate regions. Its presence in such a variety of environments underscores its adaptability and ecological importance.
This plant is easily discernible by its distinct appearance which aligns with other members of the mustard family. The leaves of the Mountain pepperplant are typically small and finely divided, often giving the plant a delicate, lacy appearance. The flowers, usually white or pale in color, are modest yet contribute significantly to the plant’s overall aesthetic and ecological role. They appear in clusters, attracting a variety of pollinators, thereby playing a pivotal role in the local ecosystem.
Historically, and even today, Mountain pepperplant holds significance not only within the natural world but also to various indigenous cultures and communities throughout its growth regions. It has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties and sometimes as a seasoning, given its peppery taste which justifies its common name. Understanding its growing patterns and habitat preferences provides valuable insight to botanists and ecologists seeking to preserve native plant species and maintain the balance within regional ecosystems.
In the botanical world, the contributions of Nuttall, who originally classified this plant, continue to resonate through the ongoing study and appreciation of Lepidium montanum. This plant remains a subject of interest for both scientific inquiry and conservation efforts, ensuring its preservation for future generations to observe and study. The enduring legacy of the Mountain pepperplant within the realms of botanical science and natural history remains indisputable, affirming its role as a small yet significant member of North America’s diverse flora.
Common Names
Eng: mountain pepperplant, mountain pepperweed, mountain pepperwort
En: Mountain pepperplant, Mountain pepperwort, MOUNTAIN PEPPERWEED, Montana pepperweed, Narrowleaf pepperweed
: Mountain pepperweed
Synonyms
- Lepidium albiflorum (A.Nelson & P.B.Kenn.)
- Lepidium alyssoides var. jonesii ((Rydb.) Thell.)
- Lepidium montanum subsp. cinereum (C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium montanum subsp. typicum (C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium montanum var. stenocarpum (Thell.)
- Lepidium montanum var. jonesii (C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium montanum subsp. alpinum ((S.Watson) C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium montanum var. alpinum (S.Watson)
- Lepidium montanum var. tenellum (C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium montanum subsp. jonesii ((Rydb.) C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium scopulorum f. canescens (Thell.)
- Lepidium utaviense (Regel)
- Lepidium scopulorum f. nanum (Thell.)
- Lepidium montanum var. cinereum ((C.L.Hitchc.) Rollins)
- Lepidium montanum var. canescens ((Thell.) C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium utahense (M.E.Jones)
- Lepidium montanum var. wyomingense (C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium montanum f. cinereum (C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium corymbosum (Hook. & Arn.)
- Lepidium brachybotryum (Rydb.)
- Lepidium scopulorum (M.E.Jones)
- Lepidium montanum var. glabrum (C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium montanum var. coloradense (Rollins)
- Lepidium integrifolium var. heterophyllum (S.Watson)
- Lepidium montanum var. heterophyllum (C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium montanum f. wyomingense (C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium montanum var. claronensis (S.L.Welsh)
- Lepidium montanum var. todiltoense (N.D.Atwood & S.L.Welsh)
- Lepidium montanum var. typicum (C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium montanum subsp. canescens ((Thell.) C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium jonesii (Rydb.)
- Lepidium montanum subsp. tenellum ((L.O.Williams) C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium montanum var. nevadense (Rollins)
- Lepidium tenellum (L.O.Williams)
- Lepidium montanum var. diffusum (S.L.Welsh & Goodrich)
- Lepidium montanum subsp. heterophyllum ((S.Watson ex Parry) C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium montanum subsp. glabrum (C.L.Hitchc.)
- Lepidium montanum var. soliarborense (S.L.Welsh)
- Lepidium crandallii (Rydb.)
- Lepidium philonitrum (A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr.)
- Lepidium alyssoides var. stenocarpum (Thell.)
- Lepidium montanum var. stellae (S.L.Welsh & Reveal)
- Lepidium montanum var. neeseae (S.L.Welsh & Reveal)
- Nasturtium montanum ((Nutt.) Kuntze)
- Lepidium heterophyllum ((S.Watson) M.E.Jones)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Utah (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 3, 2022 by David Koser (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 19, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 19, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 22, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Jun 8, 2020 by lopez sergio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2019 by Diane Hill (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 15, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Sep 19, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 6, 2001 by EOL − Dean Wm. Taylor (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 22, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 22, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 21, 2009 by EOL − Tony Frates (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Nov 15, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 15, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 15, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 22, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:138064-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5376844)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lepidium montanum Nutt.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Crown
Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 6.0
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Soil nutriments: 5