SafePlants

Lenspod Whitetop

This page provides information about the Lenspod Whitetop plant, a species with notable characteristics and distribution.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is sometimes referred to as "cress," so ingestion might be attractive to pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is sometimes referred to as "cress," so ingestion might be attractive to children.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Lepidium chalepense (synonym: Cardaria chalapensis)
• Common Names: Lenspod Whitetop, Orbicular Whitetop, Lens-podded Hoarycress, Lens-pod Hoarycress, Heartpod Hoarycress, Hoary Cress, Cress, Whitetop.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
• Genus: Cardaria
• Species: Lepidium chalepense
• Synonyms: Cardaria chalapensis, Cardaria draba ssp. chalepensis, Cardaria chalapensis (L.) Handel-Mazetti, Lepidium chalepensis L.
• The three species of whitetop (C. draba, C. chalapensis, and C. pubescens) are closely related and differentiated by the shape of their seed pods.

Distribution and Habitat

• The Lenspod Whitetop is considered exotic in some regions, including Montana where C. draba is more common.
• It is described as Absent/Unreported for native status, with no county data, and Introduced with no county data.

Ecological Role

• The text references a "WEED REPORT," suggesting this plant may be considered a weed in certain natural areas.
• It is listed among other plants in a report about weed control in natural areas in the Western United States, implying a potentially invasive role.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The plant is described as a short-hairy to hoary-short-hairy, strongly rhizomatous perennial.
• It often grows in colonies.
• It is considered a shrub.
• The shape of its seed pods is lens-shaped, distinguishing it from other whitetop species.