Shining pepperweed (Lepidium nitidum, J.Torrey & A.Gray, Fl. N. Amer. 1: 116 (1838))

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. U.S.A. to Mexico (NW. Baja California, Guadalupe), Chile

Description

Shining pepperweed, known scientifically as Lepidium nitidum, is a captivating member of the Brassicaceae family. It was first described in botanical literature by Nuttall in the 19th century and was later detailed in the seminal work “Flora of North America” by J. Torrey and A. Gray in 1838.

This plant is commonly found spanning a diverse range of environments from the western United States to northwestern Baja California and Guadalupe in Mexico, and even as far south as Chile. Its adaptability to various climates and terrains is a testament to its resilience and broad ecological amplitude.

The name “shining pepperweed” is reflective of its glossy appearance, which adds a touch of brilliance to the landscapes it inhabits. Despite its often modest size, Lepidium nitidum manages to stand out due to the sheen of its foliage, making it a noticeable plant in its native habitats.

Shining pepperweed is not just a visual delight but also a species of interest within ecological studies. Its distribution across such a wide geographical area suggests a robust genetic adaptability and a potential wealth of information regarding plant resilience and adaptation mechanisms in varying environmental conditions.

Moreover, its status as a native species in both North and South America positions it as an important subject for studies on biogeography and the historical migration of plant species across the continents. The thriving populations of Lepidium nitidum in different regions highlight its ability to contribute to the ecological balance within its ecosystems.

In conclusion, shining pepperweed is a remarkable plant with significant botanical and ecological relevance. Whether admired for its shimmering leaves or studied for its widespread occurrence and adaptability, Lepidium nitidum continues to be a plant of both beauty and scientific intrigue.

Common Names

Eng: shining pepperweed
En: Shining pepperweed

Synonyms

• Lepidium bipinnatifidum var. tenuifolium ((Phil.) Reiche)
• Lepidium bipinnatifidum var. curicoanum ((Phil.) Reiche)
• Nasturtium nitidum ((Nutt.) Kuntze)
• Lepidium chilense (Kunze ex Walp.)
• Lepidium nitidum var. howellii (C.L.Hitchc.)
• Lepidium nitidum var. insigne (Greene)
• Lepidium nitidum var. typicum (C.L.Hitchc.)
• Lepidium spicatum var. chilense ((Kunze ex Walp.) Reiche)
• Lepidium strictum var. oreganum ((Howell ex Greene) B.L.Rob.)
• Lepidium nitidum var. oreganum ((Howell ex Greene) C.L.Hitchc.)
• Lepidium curicoanum (Phil.)
• Lepidium oreganum (Howell ex Greene)
• Lepidium tenuissimum (Steud.)
• Lepidium tenuifolium (Phil.)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile South (native)
• Mexican Pacific Is. (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jun 12, 2001 by EOL − Steven Thorsted (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 19, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 19, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 20, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2009 by EOL − Jorg and Mimi Fleige (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Mar 13, 2012 by EOL − Don Loarie (cc-by)

Taken Feb 4, 2015 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 26, 2016 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 12, 2015 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 20, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 16, 2020 by Ethan Winter (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2021 by Jonathan Torres (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2019 by S Gauthier (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 by Shannon Duffy (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 14, 2011 by EOL − Don Loarie (cc-by)

Taken Mar 2, 2015 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 26, 2016 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 26, 2016 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2003 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-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.

Bark

Taken Feb 26, 2016 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5376583)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:138097-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lepidium nitidum Nutt.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.3