Weed of the Week

5-26-08

Clasping pepperweed, Lepidium perfoliatum

              

Photo credits: Nathan Kelbe, City and County of Broomfield

 Characteristics:

Family: Brassicaceaae (Mustard Family)

Origin: Europe

Description:

• Winter annual or annual

• 6-18" tall

Stems:

• Stems erect

• Branched at top

Flowers:

• In racemes

• White to yellow flower extremely small 2-3 mm in width

Leaves:

• Two types: finely divided lower leaves and heart shaped clasping upper leaves

Fruit:

• Small (1/12th") reddish-brown fruit

• Contained in a two-valved obicular capsule

Additional information:

Upper leaves can be mistaken for leafy spurge but flowers are very different.  Flowers and seed production begin from April through June.

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