Shepherd's purse
(Capsella bursa-pastoris)

Overview

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The name shepherd’s-purse was given to Capsella bursa-pastoris due to its triangular purse-like pods. This hardy annual broadleaf plant germinates early in the spring; but if it germinates in the fall, it overwinters as a rosette and produces flowers and seeds very early, making it difficult to control.

Main description

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Seedling
The cotyledon of Shepherds purse is similar to a football in shape and is a dull green colour; they are extremely small in size only ranging from 2-5 mm in height.

Mature plant
The mature plant leaves all have slightly different shapes but all are covered in distinct hairs. Leaf length is approximately 3-10 cm and can be lobed or jagged. Once true leaves appear, they will have star shaped hairs – a key characteristic in its identification. At maturity, Shepherds purse can reach up to 50 cm in height. Flower stalks are usually 10-15 cm long that produce flowers that are white with four petals

Optimal growth conditions

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Shepherds purse is most often found growing in direct sunlight with moist to dry, rich soils. This is a very adaptable weed that does well in numerous types of conditions.