Shepherd's Purse
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Brassicales, Family: Brassicaceae, Genus: Capsella, Species: Capsella bursa-pastoris · Brassicaceae (Mustard or Cabbage family) · Specialized structures shown (seed pods/silicles); the plant has simple basal leaves and alternate stem leaves. It is a herbaceous annual.
Species
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Leaf Type
Specialized structures shown (seed pods/silicles); the plant has simple basal leaves and alternate stem leaves. It is a herbaceous annual.
Family
Brassicaceae (Mustard or Cabbage family)
Shape
The iconic seed pods shown are obcordate or triangular (heart-shaped). Basal leaves are typically pinnatifid or lobed.
Size
Seed pods are approximately 4-9 mm long. The central stalk (raceme) shown is approximately 15-25 cm long, which is standard for a mature specimen.
Margin
The margins of the seed pods are entire (smooth), with a slight notch at the apex giving it the 'purse' appearance.
Arrangement
Radical basal rosette at the base; alternate leaves on the flowering stem. The seed pods are arranged in a long, terminal raceme.
Rarity
Very Common; it is one of the most widely distributed weeds on Earth.
Color & Pattern
Uniform dull green to grayish-green. The pods transition from bright green when fresh to a straw-yellow or brown when dried. No variegation present.
Venation Pattern
Reticulate (net-like) but very fine and often difficult to see on the small seed pods without magnification.
Texture & Surface
Mostly smooth (glabrous) to slightly hairy on the stem. The pods have a leathery to papery texture when mature.
Description
A small hairy annual herb. It features a basal rosette of lobed leaves from which a slender, branched flowering stalk emerges. The most striking feature is the heart-shaped or triangular flattened seed pods that resemble medieval wallets, hanging from long pedicels along the stem.
Key Features
The unique heart-shaped, flattened seed pods (silicles) and the white, four-petaled flowers at the tip of the raceme.
Habitat
Found in disturbed soils, roadsides, gardens, cultivated fields, and waste areas. It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Geographic Range
Native to Eastern Europe and Asia Minor, but now cosmopolitan and found worldwide in temperate climates.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears to be a pressed and dried flowering/fruiting stalk (herbarium style). It is in Good condition, showing clear morphology of the fruit.
Interesting Facts
The common name and genus name 'Capsella' (little box) refer to the purse-like shape of the pods. It is known to produce seeds that can remain viable in the soil for several decades.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used in traditional herbal medicine as a blood-coagulant to stop internal and external bleeding. Young basal leaves are edible and have a peppery, mustard-like flavor.
Ecological Role
Serves as a source of nectar for small bees and flower flies. Its seeds are eaten by various bird species. It is considered a pioneer species in disturbed soils.
Similar Species
Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) has larger, rounder, winged pods. Field Pepperweed (Lepidium campestre) has smaller, flatter, oval pods.
Foraging Tips
Look for the distinctive heart-shaped pods starting in early spring through late autumn. The basal rosette is best for eating before the flowering stalk appears.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans, but should be avoided in large quantities by pregnant women due to its historical use as a uterine stimulant. Generally safe for foraging if harvested from pesticide-free areas.