Family: Brassicaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Lepidium virginicum (Virginia pepperweed) is a fast-growing herb in the mustard family native to much of North and Central America and the Caribbean. It is a weedy annual or short-lived perennial with slender stems, small white flowers, and narrow seedpods that develop along upright flower spikes. The plant is commonly found in disturbed areas such as roadsides, fields, gardens, coastal sites, and vacant lots. In some regions it has been used as a minor culinary herb, with young leaves and seeds valued for their peppery flavor similar to cress or mustard greens.

Risks & Threats
Virginia pepperweed is naturalized across the Hawaiian Islands, including Mokupāpapa (Kure Atoll), Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll), Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. This species possesses traits that are cause for concern, including rapid growth, prolific seed production, and an ability to quickly colonize disturbed habitats. It can form dense populations that compete with native vegetation and may alter plant communities in coastal and dryland environments. Because tropical island ecosystems are especially vulnerable to invasive plants, the continued spread of this species could detrimentally impact native biodiversity and ecosystem function. For landscaping and restoration projects, choosing low risk or native alternatives is recommended.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability (elevations 0–2,438 m; native & naturalized in tropical/subtropical regions)
  
• History of repeated introductions & naturalized outside native range (Turkey, Europe, Hawaii)
  
• Weed of agriculture (agronomic, vegetable, orchard, nursery crops)
  
• Congeneric weed (e.g., L. latifolium is highly invasive)
  
• Self-compatible & wind-pollinated
  
• Annual/biennial (short generation time)
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind (winged fruit) and via bird guts (viable after passage)
  
• Persistent seed bank (orthodox seeds)
  
• Tolerates mutilation/burning (increases after fire)
  
• Tolerates wide soil conditions (loam, gravel, clay; sterile to fertile)

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not parasitic, not toxic to animals or humans
  
• Not unpalatable (preferred by cows)
  
• Not shade tolerant (requires part-shade to full sun)
  
• No vegetative reproduction (reproduces only by seed)
  
• Not water-dispersed