Shepherd's Purse
capsella bursa-pastoris
Also known as: ["Thief's Purse","Mother's Heart","Snapper's Pouch"]
Overview
A small, annual herbaceous plant with heart-shaped seed pods and lobed leaves, often found in disturbed soils and gardens.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","medicinal use"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Capsella |
| Botanical Name: | Capsella bursa-pastoris |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed, meadow, or disturbed areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–10"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when plants become leggy.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on removing dead or faded parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate seedlings gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Avoid overwatering; ensure good drainage; water at the base of the plant.
Soil
well-drained, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay; enrich with compost.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates frost but prefers mild conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good ventilation.
Fertilizing
rarely required, if used then every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Use a balanced fertilizer; dilute well; fertilize during growing season only.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; can also be propagated by self-seeding.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly, keep moist, provide warmth, thin seedlings as needed.
Best Time: Spring or early fall when temperatures are mild and growth is active.
Environment
Warm, moist conditions with indirect light until seedlings are established.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix, such as a standard seed-starting mix.
Hormone
Not necessary for seed propagation.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 7–14 days; plants reach maturity in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, soil mix, water spray bottle, labels.
Quick Tips
Sow seeds thinly; keep consistently moist; thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or snip off spent flowers with clean scissors.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; trim leggy growth; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, when the plant is actively growing.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Generally not required; self-seeds readily. If repotting, do so only if the plant outgrows its container.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water early morning; avoid wetting foliage; ensure drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone, ensuring moisture reaches the root ball without saturating the soil. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water lightly and infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Adjust based on rainfall and temperature; reduce watering in cooler months.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or premature flowering in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, but generally tolerates light frost.
Solution: Provide frost protection in severe cold; ensure good air circulation to prevent mold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, turn yellow, or drop; flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Provide partial shade, increase watering, and improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during growing season; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Lightly fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid over-fertilization.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCapsella bursa-pastoris is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a significant risk to felines when ingested, though overconsumption may lead to mild gastrointestinal disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCapsella bursa-pastoris is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is not known to cause significant adverse effects when ingested by canines, though large quantities might cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCapsella bursa-pastoris is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, excessive consumption may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its high fiber content and potential irritant effects on the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Shepherd's Purse edible?
A: Yes, the leaves and seeds are edible and have been used in traditional cuisine and medicine.
Q: Does Shepherd's Purse attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators due to its small, white flowers.
Q: How can I control its spread if it's considered a weed?
A: Regularly remove the plants before they set seed, or use mulch to suppress germination.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
