Description

Virginia pepperweed, or peppergrass, is a winter annual. The lower leaves of Virginia pepperweed form from a basal rosette, and are deeply lobed. The stem of Virginia pepperweed is erect and freely branched. The mature plant does not contain any basal rosette leaves, and the leaves on the stem are alternate and more lanceolate than the basal leaves. The flower of Virginia pepperweed is produced from May through early summer. The flowers are white and form in a finger-like cluster or bottle-brush at the top of the plant. The seeds of Virginia pepperweed germinate in late summer or early fall. Limited germination occurs in the spring. Virginia pepperweed can be found in throughout the United States except Arizona and New Mexico.