Scientific Name
Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medikus
Common Names
shepherd's purse
Origin
Europe
Family
Brassicaceae
Distinguishing characteristics
Annual erect herb 8 - 40 cm high.
Leaves and lower stem hairy. Leaves at base are in a rosette, some simple leaves up stem. Leaves are lobed.
Flowers are tiny (2 - 3 mm across) and white, they open progressively at the tip of the stem and so fruit and flowers can be seen on a stem at the same time.
Fruit is heart-shaped with stem longer than the fruit. Fruit capsule changes from green to brown when ripe. When ripe the 2 outer keels fall off and seed can be seen in 2 rows holding onto the central part. Seeds are yellow/orange when ripe.
This is a common weed.
Other plants easily confused with this plant
Young Capsella bursa-pastoris (before it flowers and seeds) is easily confused with Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) and Hypochoeris radicata (flat weed). Dandelion has more divided leaves with the tips of the lobes pointing towards the base of the leaf. Flat weed emits a milky sap when broken.
Sources & References
"Weeds - an illustrated botanical guide to weeds of Australia" by B. A. Auld and R. W. Medd.
"Flora of New South Wales" editor Gwen J. Harden, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney.
Prepared by Justin KY Chu, July 2005
Checked by Dr Peter Michael, July 2005