Lepidium montanum, commonly known as mountain pepperweed, is a biennial herb native to the western United States, including regions from Oregon to Montana, and extending to northern Mexico. It is typically found in arid environments such as sagebrush steppe, desert margins, and montane habitats, often on saline or gravelly soils. This plant can reach up to 16 inches in height and width, presenting a rounded form. The basal leaves are pinnatifid, up to 6 inches long, with toothed lobes, while the upper stem leaves are smaller and may be entire or less divided. Mountain pepperweed blooms profusely with small, white to cream-colored flowers arranged in rounded to cylindrical clusters, known as racemes, which are highly attractive to pollinators during the flowering season.

Mountain pepperweed is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and restoration projects in arid regions. It requires minimal maintenance and is often used to stabilize soils and as an ornamental in rock gardens. It prefers full sun and well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including those with high salinity. While not commonly cultivated, it can be an interesting addition to native plant gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0