Lepidium
(Lepidium, Greek name used by Dioscorides: it is a diminutive of lepis, a scale, and probably alludes to the form of the pods). Pepperwort. ORD. Cruciferae. A genus comprising from sixty to eighty (by some authors estimated at 100) species of herbs or sub-shrubs, widely dispersed, and of variable habit. Flowers white, small, racemose, ebracteate. Leaves variable. The species are valueless as ornamental subjects; but the undermentioned is an esteemed salad plant.
L. sativum (cultivated). Common Garden Cress. fl. white. June. Pods orbicular, winged. l. variously cut and divided. Branches not spiny. h. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. Probably a native of Persia, &c., 1548. An erect branched, smooth hardy annual. (Sy. En. B. 155.) See also Cress, Garden.