Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.
Case Weed
Shepherd's-purse is one of our most familiar little crucifers, a ruderal annual reaching about half a metre. It is named for its seed pods, flat and triangular to heart-shaped like a tiny purse, which line the slender stems above a rosette of variable, often deeply lobed leaves.
About
Shepherd's-purse is one of our most familiar little crucifers, a ruderal annual reaching about half a metre. It is named for its seed pods, flat and triangular to heart-shaped like a tiny purse, which line the slender stems above a rosette of variable, often deeply lobed leaves. The flowers are minute, white and four-petalled, and remarkably can be found in almost any month of the year. Reproducing entirely by seed and running through several generations a season, it is a tireless coloniser. In the British Isles it is regarded as an archaeophyte, an ancient introduction.
It thrives on disturbed and cultivated ground, from gardens, allotments and path edges to arable fields and waste places, in full sun. Pollinator value is modest, though it provides some early forage and is a foodplant for a few moths. More of a self-sown opportunist than a meadow component, it is best understood as a hardy, near year-round weed of open soil.
Also known as
Common Shepherd's-purse · Naengi (Shepherd’s purse) · Pepper Plant · Shepher's Tree · Shepherd's-purse
Synonyms
Bursa abscissa · Bursa alandica · Bursa anglica · Bursa astoris · Bursa batavorum · Bursa belgica · Bursa bremensis · Bursa brittonii · Bursa bursa-pastoris · Bursa bursa-pastoris bifida
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.