Shepherd's Purse can be found in maritime gardens pretty much year round, but it is often the most active in early spring. This annual weed can flower and set seed while the soil is still quite chilly, which gives it a competitive advantage over other plants.
Like other cruciferous weeds, Capsella bursa is edible. It can be controlled by hand pulling or hoeing, but this can be a daunting task given the sheer numbers of these small plants if they've taken hold in your spring garden!
Although this plant can be seen pretty much year round, it's probably noticed the most in the early spring when it fills your garden beds with tiny white flowers. Yet another edible, this one is a cousin to many garden plants, including mustard and broccoli. Another hint: Both its Latin and common names are taken from the distinctive shape of its seed pods.
Genus: Capsella
Species: bursa-pastoris
Family: Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)
Common Name: Shepherd's Purse
Origin: Europe
All contents © Travis Saling
This page was last updated
November 18, 2013