[swbiodiversity.org/] Traits, Ethnobotany, Etymology: Lepidium is a genus in the mustard family with distinctive small, round, flat seed pods and small white flowers. The primary characteristic that distinguishes L. lasiocarpum from other similar species is its flattened, hairy fruiting pedicels (use your hand lens). It is also distinguished by this combination of traits: plants are taprooted annuals; stems and leaves are hirsute to hispid but not covered with scurfy scales; upper stem leaves are sessile to short-petiolate but not clasping the stem; racemes are erect and located at branch tips; flowers have only 2 stamens; seed pods are hairy, at least on the margins, and are not wrinkled. Ethnobotany: Plant used as a disinfectant; seeds were gathered, ground, parched, and eaten in a variety of ways. Etymology: Lepidium comes from the Greek lepidion, meaning "a little scale," in reference to the flattened shape of the seed pods; lasiocarpum means having woolly seeds or fruits. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)