Brassicaceae: grey-green, perennial to 40cm, found on dry, bare soils. The flowers are white and made up of four petals with violet anthers, in dense heads, appearing from May-August. The seed pods are smooth, oval, notched at the top, pods lack a projecting style, unlike the similar looking Lepidium hererophyllum which has a projecting style. Locally common in the South and West. Native to Most of Europe, including Britain, to Western Asia and the Caucasus.
The young leaves and young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked, and are best used in the spring. They have a hot cress-like flavour, they can be finely-chopped and added in small amounts as a flavouring in salads. The immature seedpods have a pungent flavour, they can be used as a flavouring in hot soups and stews. The seed can be used as a pepper substitute.
Surface sow seeds in spring or autumn in situ. Germination should take place within few weeks, but a portion of the seed by be dormant and need a chill before they will germinate.