Pepper Cress

Cardamine oligosperma - Mustard family This rather succulent annual has numerous pinnately compound leaves. Plant, usually less than a foot tall, branch extensively from a narrow tap root. The white flowers are very small, and cluster along tips of branches. The narrow, elongate fruits are about an inch long and stand erect. They become explosive as they dry and burst when touched, propelling the seeds several feet. This species, apparently a native of Eurasia, is a common weed in moist areas in western North America. It is a common nuisance in gardens. However, it is edible and has a refereshing, albeit somewhat peppery flavor.