How much sun does Mountain Pepperwort need?

Mountain Pepperwort grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Mountain Pepperwort bloom?

Mountain Pepperwort blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Mountain Pepperwort native?

Mountain Pepperwort (Lepidium montanum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Mountain Pepperwort toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Mountain Pepperwort as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Mountain Pepperwort attract?

Mountain Pepperwort draws butterflies, bees, and nectar insects.

Is Mountain Pepperwort HOA-friendly?

Mountain Pepperwort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Mountain Pepperwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lepidium montanum

Last reviewed: July 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Mountain Pepperwort as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees, nectar insects

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Sonoran Basin and Range

Mountain Pepperwort is a compact native forb that produces clusters of small white flowers in spring. This drought-tolerant biennial grows in a neat mounded form and goes dormant in summer heat, returning the following year from seed.

In an HOA neighborhood

Mountain Pepperwort is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The spring blooms attract butterflies, bees, and other nectar-seeking insects during an important early season period.

Common questions

How much sun does Mountain Pepperwort need?: Mountain Pepperwort grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Mountain Pepperwort bloom?: Mountain Pepperwort blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Mountain Pepperwort native?: Mountain Pepperwort (Lepidium montanum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Mountain Pepperwort toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Mountain Pepperwort as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Mountain Pepperwort attract?: Mountain Pepperwort draws butterflies, bees, and nectar insects.
Is Mountain Pepperwort HOA-friendly?: Mountain Pepperwort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Mountain Pepperwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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