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Native Plant Society of Texas

Mountain Pepperwort

Lepidium montanum

Other common name(s):

Mountain Peppergrass, Western Peppergrass, Mountain Pepperweed, Montana Pepperweed

Family:

Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts
Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
3
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Biennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Limestone, Caliche, Calcareous, Well Drained, Dry, Saline

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen, Larval Host

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Nectar Insects, Bees

Maintenance

Works well in borders, rock gardens. Plants live only one or two years so some seedlings must be allowed to survive for replacement plants. Propagation: seed, cutting.

Comments

Blooms March-August. Mountain pepperwort grows as a biennial or short-lived perennial. A mounding growth form. Basal leaves are larger than stem leaves. In bloom, the plant is covered with small clusters of small, white flowers. The fruit is a long, narrow seed pod called a silicle. Larval host: Checkered White.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Sow seeds in the spring after the last frost. Fill a seed tray with potting soil, making sure it is level. Scatter the Lepidium montanum seeds evenly across the surface before covering them with a thin layer of soil to ensure they are not exposed. Gently water the seeds using a mist spray to avoid displacing them. Maintain soil moisture by regular watering, ensuring it is damp but not waterlogged. Place the seeded tray in a well-lit area avoiding direct sunlight. Providing consistent, indirect light helps promote strong growth without drying out the soil or seedlings. While the seeds are small, they need patience to germinate. The ideal temperature range for germination is around 68-77°F (20-25°C). With proper care, germination can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks depending on the conditions. he first step is to gather seeds. You can find them in their natural habitat – look for mature seed pods with a slightly brown-tinged hue. Gently collect the pods before they fully dehisce. You can either sow the seeds directly into the garden or store them for later planting. If you opt for storage, ensure they are kept in a cool, dry place. 1) https://www.forwardplant.com/plant-info/Lepidium_montanum/ 2) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-lepidium-montanum/
Stem Cutting Lepidium montanum can be propagated from stem cuttings. By cutting a healthy, non-flowering stem just below a node and dipping it in rooting hormone, you can encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a well-drained soil mix and keep it moist. Patience is key as this method can take several weeks for roots to form. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-lepidium-montanum/
Clump Division For established plants, division can be a successful method. Gently lift the plant, separate it into smaller divisions, and re-plant each division. This is best done in spring or fall, when the plant is actively growing. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-lepidium-montanum/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason