Hobbies And Interests
Water-pepper, Polygonum hydropiper
The water-pepper plant is an annual found growing throughout the United States wherever water is found. It is an introduced species that occurs naturally in Europe. It flowers in the later summer months of July, August and September. It has simple, ovate leaves and a bloom stalk that produces tiny, white flowers. The bloom stalk measures from between 1 to 3 inches in length. Its stem is typically reddish in color, but can sometimes also be green. Water-pepper has been used medicinally to treat colds, coughs, upset bowels and even chronic ulcers. For use as medicine, the fresh leaves are made into a tincture.
Pepper-Vine: Ampelopsis arborea
The pepper-vine is a water-loving, semi-evergreen vine native to the southeastern United States in areas that are sufficiently moist. In the water-logged state of Florida, it grows in floodplain forests and cypress swamps. It produces a cluster of purple grapes popular among local wildlife. While animals find it tasty, it is seldom consumed by humans. The plant has opposite, compound leaves that are serrated at the edges. The vine can grow up to 35 feet or more in length. Its fruit is black and shiny and reaches 5/8 inch in diameter. The pepper-vine flowers in April and May.
Common Peppergrass: Lepidium virginicum
The common peppergrass is found throughout the central United States. It can tolerate both wet and dry conditions. Peppergrass is part of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The leaves are long and ovate, about 3 1/2 to 4 inches in length and with serrated edges. The bloom stalk grows from the top of the plant and produces tiny white flowers, reaching only about 1/8 inch in width, with four petals. The peppergrass prefers to grow in full to partial sun and tolerates a range of soil types, including loam, gravel and clay. While peppergrass is not commonly cultivated for food by humans, the leaves of young plants can be picked and added to salads.