September 11

In the uncultivated areas between the planted rows, and along the two-track road that provides access to the fields, Virginia Pepperweed is showing its seed heads in readiness. They are really quite an attractive thing as weed species go, with tiny seed flags in radial arrangement that rise up several inches from the basal plant which may yet be green. Most have dozens of seeds in each raised head, and their brown display resembles the shepherd’s purse of two months ago, though the spiral pattern is distinct.

The name is apt, for the seeds are edible and do have a tinge of pepper taste. It’s easy enough to grasp the raised stalk in one hand lightly, pull upward with enough force to dislodge the seeds yet not so much that the stalk separates. I’ll collect fifty or so small seeds easily this way in one motion.

I’ve read that these were used in olden times as a poor substitute for actual pepper and that the seeds are a good source of vitamins A and C.

Notes:

41 cricket calls per minute at 4:00 am.