Virginia Peppergrass is a pretty common "weed" around the Tampa area. I think it's rather attractive due to its fairly compact growth habit, as well as the seed pods that change color as they mature. This plant is commonly seen in the toughest of areas, thriving along the side of the interstate, in full Florida sun.

This isn't a weed I bother pulling for two reasons. The first is that, although it can take full sun, it dries up and disappears when things start getting hot - say around May. Then, it doesn't come back until winter. No point pulling something up when it goes away on its own. But the most important reason to keep it is that it is a host plant for the Checkered White butterfly. That means the butterflies lay their eggs on it and the caterpillars will eat the plant. You can often see masses of the butterflies along the side of roads, and in the medians, precisely because Virginia Peppergrass grows in those areas. So don't weed, and sit back and enjoy the butterflies.

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This is a member of the mustard family & is edible. The leaves & seed capsules have a peppery flavor. The young leaves can be sauteed. Or the leaves & seeds can be used in salads. The leaves contain protein, vitamins C & A.
Commonly found in disturbed areas, roadsides, vegetable, orchards, & nursery crops as well as in the lawn.

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