Field pepperwort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Field pepperwort |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lepidium
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| Species: |
campestre
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Lepidium campestre, also known as field pepperwort or field cress, is a plant that usually lives for two years (a biennial). Sometimes, it can live for just one year (an annual plant). It belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which is also called the mustard family.
This plant is originally from Europe. However, it is now commonly found in North America. There, it is considered an invasive weed, meaning it spreads easily and can harm native plants.
One special thing about field pepperwort is its flowers. They grow in clusters called racemes that branch off the main stem. These clusters first have small white flowers. Later, they turn into green, flat, and oval seedpods. Each seedpod is about 6 mm long and 4 mm wide. Inside each pod, there are two small brown seeds, each about 2.5 mm long.
The stem of the field pepperwort grows from a group of leaves at the base, called a basal rosette. The stem itself is covered with leaves that are attached directly (sessile) and arranged alternately. These leaves are shaped like arrows. The whole plant usually grows to be between 20 and 60 cm tall. It is also covered in tiny hairs.
Where Field Pepperwort Grows
Field pepperwort likes to grow in places where the ground has been disturbed. You can often find it in farm fields, gardens, or waste areas. It can grow well in most types of soil.
Uses of Field Pepperwort
This plant is actually edible! Its young leaves can be eaten as greens. You can add them raw to salads or boil them for about ten minutes. The young fruits and seeds can be used as a spice. They taste a bit like a mix between black pepper and mustard. The leaves are also healthy, as they contain protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
Growing Field Cress for Future Use
Scientists at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) are studying field cress. They think it could be a very useful crop for making oil. This plant is good because it can grow well in cold places and produce a lot of oil. It can even grow in Umeå, Sweden, which is close to the Arctic Circle! In these cold areas, it can produce about 3.3 tons of oil per hectare.
Field cress also helps the environment. It can act as a "cover crop" during winter, protecting the soil. Its oil is good for making different industrial products, like a type of diesel fuel called hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). Researchers have found and mapped several genes in field cress. These genes are important for traits like when the plant flowers, how its pods open to release seeds, and how long its seeds stay dormant before sprouting.
