Capsella bursa-pastoris
shepherd's purse
A tap-rooted annual producing a rosette of toothed leaves which often overwinters. Tiny, white flowers are produced anytime from spring to autumn on upright stems to 40cm, followed by characteristic heart-shaped seed pods
Other common names
case weedhen pepper
see morelady's purse
mother's heart
pepper and salt
pepper plant
pepper weed
pickpurse
poor man's parmacetty
shepherd's scrip
shovel weed
toothwort
toy weed
toy wort
witches' pouches
Synonyms
Thlaspi bursa-pastoris
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | White | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Capsella are a genus of tough, herbaceous biennial plants which vary greatly in height and in leaf, flower and fruit shape and size. They grow quickly and flower and produce seed throughout the year. Seeds can be heart-shaped and flowers small and white.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp. & subtr.
How to grow
Cultivation
A fast-growing and prolific weed of bare and cultivated land. See shepherd's purse for further information and advice on how to control
Propagation
Produces vast quantities of seed throughout the year. May have the potential to become a nuisance if left unchecked
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be a host for the leaf disease white blister which affects Brassicaceae, Asteraceae and Aizoaceae groups of plants
Get involved
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