Capsella Species, Shepherd's-Purse

Capsellabursa-pastoris

Family
Brassicaceae (brass-ih-KAY-see-ee)
Genus
Capsella (kap-SEL-luh)
Species
bursa-pastoris (BUR-suh PAS-tor-is)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
Spacing
3-6 in. (7-15 cm)
Hardiness
Not Applicable
Bloom Color
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Blooms all year
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Water Requirements
Foliage Color
Blue-Green
Chartreuse/Yellow
Orange/Apricot
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Glendale, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

Clovis, California

San Diego, California

Aurora, Colorado

Benton, Kentucky

Valley Lee, Maryland

Cole Camp, Missouri

Millersburg, Pennsylvania

Clarksville, Texas

Dallas, Texas

De Leon, Texas

San Antonio, Texas

Syracuse, Utah

Artondale, Washington

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Gardener's Notes:

2
positives
2
neutrals
2
negatives
Sort By:
Sort By:
R
Walkerton, VA (Zone 7a) | February 2006 | neutral

An invasive but useful plant for the wild food enthusiast. It can be used as a salad ingredient, a cooked green or a seasoning. Add the y...Read More

M
M
Benton, KY (Zone 7a) | April 2005 | negative

An invasive little weed that seems to pop up everywhere...it is common throughout the US and Canada. Introduced from Europe...probably as...Read More

R
R
Onalaska, WI | November 2004 | positive

Neat little plant, and, as with all plants, it is only as invasive as the grower allows it to be. Grows quite will here in Zone 4

J
J
joz
| March 2003 | positive

Very tasty vegetable, and productive. :)

L
Grove City, OH (Zone 6a) | January 2003 | negative

A very invasive weed, this plant is difficult to identify until it makes seedpods. The foliage can be from light green through almost bl...Read More

L
L
(Zone 8a) | May 2002 | neutral

A widespread weed often found in gardens and waste places, distinguished by small, heart-shaped fruits. A preparation from the leaves has...Read More

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Featured
Vine Moth
(Phalaenoides glycinae)
White-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta carolinensis)