Perennial Pepperweed
(Lepidium latifolium):
Foreign invader in California's wildlands

Where is it from?

Perennial pepperweed is native to an area extending from southeastern Europe to southwestern Asia. It is common in disturbed sites throughout Europe.

The genus Lepidium is fairly large with about 175 species worldwide. In California there are 15 native species and 5 introduced species, including perennial pepperweed.

If allowed to persist perennial pepperweed can create large, dense infestations in a wide range of habitats. These infestations are extremely competitive and as a result few plant species can establish within these stands.

How did it get here?

The exact origin of this species in the US is unknown, but it is widespread along the east coast of the US. The first recorded sighting of perennial pepperweed in California was in 1936 on a ranch in Stanislaus County. It was also grown as a cut flower crop in parts of California. In recent years, it is thought to be spreading in contaminated hay or straw bales. The perennial roots can also float downstream to establish new infestations.

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