Perennial Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) is an invader of irrigated pastures, grasslands, rangelands and native meadows, causing the most concern in the Kootenay and Thompson agricultural regions. Plants can grow to 2 m high, with large infestations that can eliminate competing vegetation and damage riverbank habitats. Perennial pepperweed has a deep, extensively creeping root system, with broken pieces that can travel and lead to more monocultures along roadsides, in fields, and in disturbed habitats. It is common on riverbanks, beaches, marshy floodplains, and seasonally wet areas. It is also a prolific seed producer; one plant can spread over 6 billion seeds per acre, dropping from the plant or travelling short distances by wind and water.
This plant is commonly found in floral arrangements, therefore can be found invading cemeteries and landfills. It is primarily invasive in riparian areas or wetlands and can produce more than six billion seeds per acre of infestation.
