Virginia Pepperweed A Wild Edible Food

The Virginia Pepperweed (Lepidium virginicum) as the name implies (the seeds) can be used as a supply of pepper. Additionally the young leaves can be used as a sauteed or used raw, such as in salads. The pepper comes from the young seedpods.

The plant grows all across the USA so it is probably available to you. It grows up to about 2 feet tall with tiny white flowers. The stems and leaves are arranged alternately, not opposite each other. The mostly hairless/fuzzless seed pods are flat and round. The plant blooms in the late spring through the fall.

Young leaves can be eaten raw or boil. Avoid older leaves. If older leaves are to be eaten then boil them with multiple water changes.