Lepidium incisum
Lepidium incisumfam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. 588B — Lepidium incisum
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IOverview
Overview
Lepidium incisum, a member of the Brassicaceae family, is an annual herb that thrives in light to partial sun and prefers moist soil with a variety of textures, from sandy to heavy clay. Native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, East Himalaya, Nepal, Qinghai, Tibet, West Himalaya, and Xinjiang, this plant can grow up to 0.2 meters tall. Known for its edible leaves, Lepidium incisum is valued in local cuisines. One distinctive feature of this plant is its adaptability to different soil types, making it a versatile addition to gardens or natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Lepidium incisum?
Lepidium incisum, a member of the Brassicaceae family, is an annual herb that thrives in light to partial sun and prefers moist soil with a variety of textures, from sandy to heavy clay.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lepidium incisum thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is an annual plant reaching a height of 0.2 meters and can be propagated through seeds. Given its native range in China and the Himalayas, it is hardy in temperate regions. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist and provide ample sunlight for optimal growth. Harvest the edible leaves as needed.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Lepidium incisum for the first time
8steps
Start with Lepidium incisum as a simple annual herb, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors a few weeks earlier.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil. Containers should have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the soil, spacing them about 15 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade to help seedlings establish.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilize lightly with compost every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune leaves as needed for use in cooking; avoid over-harvesting to encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Lepidium incisum are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used fresh in salads for their mild flavor. In some regions, the leaves may also be steamed or stir-fried as a vegetable.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
24 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
24 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 24 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Russia
Asia9 regions
native (9)BangladeshChinaIndiaJapanKazakhstanMongoliaNepalPakistanSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, Altay, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Tuva, West Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Brassicaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Brassicaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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