Capsella bursa-pastoris aka Shepherd's Purse

Taxonomy

Genus Capsella Family Brassicaceae Order Brassicales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Capsella bursa-pastoris, also known as shepherd's purse due to its purse-like, triangular flat fruits, is a slender, erect annual to short-lived perennial plant in the mustard family. It is native to eastern Europe and Asia minor but is now naturalized and considered a common weed in many parts of the world, particularly in colder climates. This plant is the second-most prolific wild plant in the world and is commonly found on cultivated ground, waysides, and meadows. Scientists have called Capsella bursa-pastoris a 'protocarnivore' because its seeds attract and kill nematodes to locally enrich the soil. Shepherd's purse is often harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is also extensively cultivated in some areas of the world as a cabbage-flavored spring green. Capsella bursa-pastoris is a common winter annual garden weed that usually grows from 15-70cm tall. Winter annuals bloom from spring to mid-summer, while summer annuals flower from mid-summer to fall. The flowers are followed by flat, heart-shaped seedpods that resemble the leather purse of shepherds during the Middle Ages. In Japan, Capsella bursa-pastoris is one of the essential ingredients of a ceremonial rice and barley gruel that is eaten on January 7th. Additionally, deer eat the leaves and stalks of shepherd's purse, and the seeds that are eaten pass through the digestive tract and remain viable.

Common names

Shepherd's Purse, Mother's Heart

How to care for Shepherd's Purse

Difficulty

Caring for Shepherd's Purse is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Shepherd's Purse should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Shepherd's Purse loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Shepherd's Purse requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Mother's Heart is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Shepherd's Purse should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Shepherd's Purse as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Shepherd's Purse’s native range is A virtually cosmopolitan plant, found in most regions of the world including Britain.

More info:
Wikipedia

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