How much sun does Peppergrass need?

Peppergrass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Peppergrass bloom?

Peppergrass blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is Peppergrass native?

Peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 42 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Peppergrass attract?

Peppergrass draws bees, beetles, flies, and butterflies.

Is Peppergrass HOA-friendly?

Peppergrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Peppergrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lepidium virginicum

Last reviewed: October 2026

Toxicity unknown

Peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 42 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies, butterflies

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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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Least pepperwort is a small annual wildflower that produces tiny white flowers in loose clusters from late spring through summer. This native plant has a delicate, upright growth habit and small leaves that give it a fine-textured appearance in the garden.

In an HOA neighborhood

Peppergrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very small flowers and delicate structure can appear weedy
Annual nature means gaps in coverage
Common name includes 'weed' which creates negative perception

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract various beneficial insects including native bees, beetles, and flies throughout the long blooming season. Seeds provide food for small birds and the plant serves as a host for some butterfly caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Peppergrass need?: Peppergrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Peppergrass bloom?: Peppergrass blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Peppergrass native?: Peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 42 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Peppergrass attract?: Peppergrass draws bees, beetles, flies, and butterflies.
Is Peppergrass HOA-friendly?: Peppergrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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