New Mexico State University
College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences | ACES
NMSU: Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands

Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands

Diné bikéyah Chi’l nooséłígíí Bąąhą́ą́nosin
Take care of our Navajo Rangelands

Pepperweed

(a.k.a. Tall whitetop, giant whiteweed, perennial pepperweed, broadleaved pepperweed, clasping pepperweed, Lepidium virginicum)
Os si tsóh
Inflorescence with small white flowers and some new seeds
Amy Smith Muise

Pepperweed is a highly invasive non-native herbaceous perennial. It can invade a wide range of habitats including riparian areas, wetlands, marshes, and floodplains. It adapts readily to natural and disturbed wetlands. As it establishes and expands, the plants create large stands that displace native plants and animals.

In addition to impacting alfalfa and pasture production, it has been reported to adversely affect food quality and nesting habitat for native birds.

Inflorescences that have gone to seed
Amy Smith Muise
Small leaves and flower clusters with buds and white blooms
Amy Smith Muise
Plants long after they have gone to seed. In this state, they have a pale, brushy appearance.
Amy Smith Muise
Many white flowered round plants covering sandy ground
Amy Smith Muise
Close up of white flowered stems
Amy Smith Muise
Scientific Name
Lepidium alyssoides
Plant Type
Forb
Growing Season
Warm Season
Invasive
Habitats
  • Grasslands
  • River valleys
Flower Color
White
Other Traits
⚠
Invasive

For definitions, see the glossary.

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Individual photographers retain all rights to their images.
Partially funded by the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (westernsare.org; 435.797.2257), project EW15-023.
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