Desert Pepperweed
(Lepidium fremontii)
Desert Pepperweed (Lepidium fremontii)
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Steve Matson
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Steve Matson
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Steve Matson | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Steve Matson | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2011-05-08T10:34:17-07:00 |

























Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Valencia, Spain
This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
• Precipitation | 3" - 35" | 18" | Your precipitation may be too high for this plant. | Too high |
• High Temp. | 70°F - 110°F | 86°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
• Low Temp. | 11°F - 44°F | 44°F | OK, but your winter temperatures are warmer than normal for this plant | OK |
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.
Summary
Lepidium fremontii, commonly known as Desert Pepperweed, is a perennial herb that is native to arid regions in the southwestern United States, particularly in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. It is adapted to survive in harsh desert environments, often found on sandy desert flats, rocky slopes, and in washes where occasional water runoff occurs. Desert Pepperweed typically grows up to 3 feet tall and has a bushy growth habit. It produces dense racemes of small, white flowers with spoon-shaped petals during the spring and early summer months. The flowers are not particularly showy but are attractive to a variety of desert pollinators.
Desert Pepperweed is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils with minimal water requirements, making it suitable for xeriscaping and desert gardens. It is also used for habitat restoration projects within its native range. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and well-drained soils. While it is not commonly used in ornamental horticulture, its resilience and low maintenance make it an interesting choice for naturalistic plantings. It is not known to have significant disease or pest problems, but its habitat preferences should be considered to avoid overwatering and root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Desert Pepperweed is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils with minimal water requirements, making it suitable for xeriscaping and desert gardens. It is also used for habitat restoration projects within its native range. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and well-drained soils. While it is not commonly used in ornamental horticulture, its resilience and low maintenance make it an interesting choice for naturalistic plantings. It is not known to have significant disease or pest problems, but its habitat preferences should be considered to avoid overwatering and root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 0.5-1 feet
- Width: 1-1.25 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Arid regions in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, including sandy desert flats, rocky slopes, and washes
Other Names
Common Names: Desert Pepperweed, Fremont’s pepperweed
Scientific Names: Lepidium fremontii, Lepidium fremontii var. fremontii, Lepidium fremontii var. stipitatum, Nasturtium fremontii
GBIF Accepted Name: Lepidium fremontii