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
-
Celebrating 100 years of Michigan State University Extension in Alcona County
Published on October 19, 2017
-
Growing degree-day accumulations around Michigan
Published on August 16, 2017
-
Virtual MI Ag Ideas to Grow With conference returns for sixth year with focus on food and livestock production
Published on January 27, 2026
-
Beginning farmers have plenty to gain from MI Ag Ideas to Grow With
Published on January 21, 2026
-
MSU Extension announces statewide public listening sessions in November and December
Published on November 6, 2023
-
Finding accurate information on the Internet
Published on November 8, 2013
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.