Shepherd’s purse
September 4, 2015
Print
EmailCapsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medicus
Life cycle
Erect winter or summer annual.
Leaves
Leaves initially develop from a basal rosette. Basal leaves are stalked and highly variable in shape; young leaves are first rounded and elongated, becoming variously lobed, toothed to wavy. Smaller stem leaves are alternate with smooth to toothed margins and clasping bases.
Shepherd’s purse rosette.
Stems
Erect, slender, hairy, up to 2-foot-tall stems bolt from a basal rosette to flower. Flower stems are usually unbranched with few to no leaves.
Flowers and fruit
White flowers with four small petals are found in terminal clusters. Fruit are distinctly heart-shaped to triangular pods found on elongated, unbranched stems.
Shepherd’s purse fruit (left) and flowering cluster (right).
Reproduction
Seeds.
Print a PDF of this page: Shepherd’s purse
Other Documents in this Series
You Might Also Be Interested In
-
Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety Newsletter
Published on July 31, 2024
-
What does it mean to be a leader on your farm?
Published on December 14, 2012
-
Fifth annual MI Ag Ideas to Grow With virtual conference focuses on food and animal production
Published on January 27, 2025
-
Great Lakes EXPO will include free medical evaluation service for using respirators
Published on November 20, 2018
-
Apps for urban agriculture and market gardens
Published on April 27, 2013
-
USDA grant will engage Michigan farmers to create trainings for beginning farmers
Published on November 3, 2021
Accessibility Questions:
For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.