Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) is an invasive plant native to Eurasia that was first introduced to the United States on the west coast in the 1930s. It has since become an extensive problem on the west coast; infiltrating roadsides, riversides and pasture lands, and has recently been spreading in New England.

Like all invasive species, pepperweed has become a problem because it has no natural enemies in this area, and can therefore grow unchecked. After just a few seasons it can form dense, monoculture stands that take up valuable water and nutrient sources for our native salt-marsh plants. It has an extensive, hardy root system that can regrow from tiny fragments, and it produces and abundance of seeds that float in the water, spreading it along the coast.

Here at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge we have already begun to contain the plant through herbicide and pulling. Last year we pulled over 3000 pounds of pepperweed, but it still exists in the refuge and along the Plum Island Turnpike. Due to the labor-intensive work of pulling the plant, we need volunteers to help identify and pull it. We hope to see you at one of our many training sessions and pulls, helping to save our beautiful and fragile marshlands.