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Cress, Garden

Cruciferae Lepidium sativum L.

Peppergrass

L. virginicum L.

Source: Magness et al. 1971

Cress plants are grown for the leaves, which are used as salads andgarnishes. The plant is an annual. attaining a height of 1 to 2 feet. Theleaves are aromatic and peppery in flavor. They rise from the root crown at thesoil surface, and are variable in shape, some forms being greatly divided likeparsley, others curled. If only lower leaves are removed, new leaves willcontinue to be formed on the central stalk. Growth habit and leaf exposure aresimilar to spinach.

Peppergrass is a closely related plant, native in the U.S., which is notcultivated, but often is gathered and used as with garden cress.


Season, seeding to harvest: 6 to 8 weeks.

Production in U. S.: No data. Minor importance.

Use: Fresh for salads, garnishes.

Part of plant consumed: Leaves.


Last update June 28, 1996 by aw