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Shepherd's purse
Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is native to Eastern Europe and Asia minor. Having spread and become naturalized around the world, this herbaceous plant is typically considered a weed. Shepherd's purse is considered a "protocarnivore" because it attracts nematodes (small worms in the soil) and poisons them with its seeds. By eliminating nematodes, this plant enriches the surrounding soil.
Scientific classification
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Weeds
Weed or not
Annual, Biennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Bloom Time
2 mm to 3 mm
Flower Size
Brown, Red
Fruit Color
White
Flower Color
Green, White, Red, Purple
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring
Growth Season
Moderate
Growth Rate

Images of Shepherd's purse

Distribution of Shepherd's purse

Distribution Map
Shepherd's purse is a plant with a vast range that originated in several regions of Europe and has since become widely naturalized. This species has extended its reach, crossing continents to North and South America, Africa, Asia, as well as Oceania. It is considered an introduced species across many of these territories, adapting to varied climates and thriving beyond its native habitat.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Arable land, gardens, waste places, cultivated soil
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Culture

Symbolism
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Interesting Facts
Shepherd's purse is a rare protocarnivorous plant, meaning it can kill and absorb nutrients from invertebrates. In a high profile scientific study, scientists placed nematodes in the soil nearby shepherd's purse seeds, and found that the plant killed the nematodes. In this study, plants exposed to nematodes grew taller and stronger.
Name Story
Shepherd's purse: It is called Shepherd's purse from the similar appearance of the seed hath to that of a leatherne bag, whereas Shepherds carry the Victualls which is also known as a nutritional value into the field.
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Weed Control

Shepherd's purse is a weed growing in most of North America, along with Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and East Africa. It is considered a nuisance in fields, lawns, gardens, and cultivated areas, and is classified as invasive in several western states including California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah, along with Maryland and Virginia in the east. There is some toxicity if eaten for persons with high blood pressure or heart disease. It also invades many kinds of crops. The seeds can remain viable in the ground for several years, making this invasive plant challenging to eliminate. Removal methods include soil tillage and the application of herbicides.
How to Control It
To control shepherd's purse, it is best to do so in spring when the plants are young and haven't yet reached the stage where they start seeding. This generally happens in late spring. So, early spring is the optimal time for removal.
  1. Hand Pulling: This might be a bit labor-intensive, but hand pulling allows you to get the root along with the weed. Moisten the ground to make the process easier. Ensure you have a robust grip on the base of the plant and gently pull to avoid breaking roots.
  2. Smothering: You can also smother shepherd's purse by using layers of newspapers, cardboard, or mulch. The aim is to block sunlight and inhibit their growth process. This method is more time-consuming but works great in the long run.
  3. Digging Out: A gardening hoe or shovel can be your best friend in uprooting this weed from your garden. Dig into the ground, push the tool beneath the weed plants alongside their roots, and lever the plants up. Take out as many large segments of the root as possible.
  4. Using a Weed Torch: This method involves carefully subjecting the plant to heat to kill the seeds and roots. The technique requires significant caution and might not be the friendliest for the environment due to carbon emission.
  5. Planting cover crops: This method utilizes the idea of competitive exclusion. Plant some fast-growing crops that will out-compete shepherd's purse for resources, thus suppressing its growth.
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Quickly Identify Shepherd's purse

1
Heart-shaped seed pods resembling a purse
2
Basal rosette of oblong-lanceolate leaves with toothed edges
3
Small white flowers with four petals in a cross shape
4
Slender stem, light green to dark reddish-purple, with appressed-hairy underside
5
Alternate leaves pinnately lobed, with oppressed hairs on lower central veins
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Care Guide for Shepherd's purse

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Native to temperate zones, shepherd's purse thrives with moderate moisture and can handle short dry spells. It prefers consistent weekly watering and adapts well to indoor and outdoor environments. Adequate hydration is essential for its vigorous growth during the growing season.
Propagation: Shepherd's purse is best propagated by sowing seeds in Spring. The process is straightforward, and success can be identified by emerging seedlings. No special tips are required for effective propagation.
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