SHEPHERD’S PURSE
Capsella bursa-pastoris
MUSTARD FAMILY (Brassicaceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - April, May, June, July, August, September
- Common along roadsides and other disturbed sites
- Small plant - up to 18 inches
- 4 petals
- Triangular, notched seed pods
This annual weed, up to 18 inches tall, was probably introduced from Europe. One or more stems emerge from a rosette of dandelion-like leaves. The small, white, 4-petaled flowers form a cluster (raceme) at the tip of the stem which lengthens as the notched triangular seed pods develop below.
Common along roadsides and on disturbed ground at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. Flowering is most profuse in April and May but may continue through September.
Its common name stems from the shape of the seed pods, which resemble a medieval shepherd’s purse.
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