Perennial pepperweed
(Lepidium latifolium)
An herbaceous, multi-stemmed perennial can reach five feet tall but remains as a rosette for several weeks before bolting. Stems die back by late summer and the plan-ts have a horseradish taste and odor.
Overview
Other names for this plant- Common names: tall whitetop, tall pepperweed, broadleaf pepperweed
- Scientific names: Cardaria latifolia
- A major threat to coastal beaches and dunes, along with nearby grasslands where it forms dense stands.
- It can also invade pastures, agricultural fields, riparian zones and disturbed areas.
Classification in Wisconsin: Prohibited
Species Assessment Groups (SAG) were assembled to recommend a legal classification for each species considered for NR 40. The recommendation for perennial pepperweed was based upon this literature review [PDF] developed by the department.
Identification
Leaves: Rosette leaves are up to 12 inches long with serrated margins and one to six-inch-long petioles. Cauline leaves are waxy, gray-green, and senesce as the top of the plant develops. Also, cauline leaves are alternate, sessile, elliptical and much smaller than basal leaves. They are tapered at the base and have weakly serrate margins.
Flowers: Small, white flowers form a dense cluster at the tops of the stems. Flowers have four small green sepals and four small petals.
Fruits & seeds: Each flower produces a two-chambered capsule with one somewhat flattened red-brown seed in each chamber.
Roots: Thick taproots can be up to six feet deep, form semi-woody crowns and have creeping rhizomes.
Similar species: Hoary cress (Cardaria draba; non-native) looks slightly like perennial pepperweed but is only up to three feet tall and leaves clasp the stem.
Control
Mechanical: Not recommended due to the extensive root system. Continual mowing, prior to seed-set, may help suppress populations.
Chemical: Mowing or grazing in spring followed by foliar spray of chlorsulfuron or imazapyr. Foliar spray of glyphosate at flower bud stage on small populations.
For more information on control techniques, visit the Perennial pepperweed factsheet [exit DNR] by University of Wisconsin-Extension.
Photos
View perennial pepperweed pictures in our photo gallery.
Resources
Sources for content- Invasive Plant Atlas of New England: Perennial pepperweed [exit DNR].
- Plant Conservation Alliance, Alien Plant Working Group Fact Sheet: Perennial Pepperweed [exit DNR]. Last updated July 7, 2009.
- Renz, Mark. 2007. University of Wisconsin-System Board of Regents and University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension. Invasive plants of Wisconsin: Perennial pepperweed [exit DNR]. July 2007