Shepherd's Cress

clypeola jonthlaspi

Also known as: ["Shepherd's Cress","Shepherd's Parsley"]

Family: Brassicaceae Genus: Clypeola Category: Flowers

Overview

A small annual herb with white flowers, native to Europe and Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["low maintenance","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Clypeola
Botanical Name: Clypeola jonthlaspi

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or containers in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed; after flowering or when growth appears leggy.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or overgrown stems.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; ensure adequate ventilation if grown indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid placing near large windows with direct glare.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam

pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).

Use a cactus mix as a base; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C); thrives in cooler climates.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; maintain consistent cool nights; protect from heatwaves.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce feeding in dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Seed or self-seeding; stem cuttings can be attempted but are less reliable.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Sow seeds shallowly.
  2. Keep moist.
  3. Or take cuttings, apply hormone, and place in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are mild and growth is active.

Environment

Warm, bright, and humid conditions; indirect light for cuttings.

Medium

Well-draining seed starting mix or sandy loam.

Hormone

Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone may help for cuttings.

Timeline

Seeds germinate in 2–3 weeks; cuttings root in 4–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

Seed trays, pots, pruners, rooting hormone (optional), misting bottle.

Quick Tips

Sow seeds in clusters; use bottom heat for faster germination; mist cuttings regularly.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip stems just above a leaf node or lateral branch; avoid cutting into old wood.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged growth to maintain shape.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or small pruning shears.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead growth; shape lightly; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure drainage holes are clear.

Suggestions

Repot only when roots fill the pot or growth slows; typically every 2–3 years.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to deliver water directly to the soil without disturbing the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Provide frost protection; move indoors in freezing conditions; avoid cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; water before feeding; stop in winter.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Clypeola jonthlaspi can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a response to environmental stressors like excessive sunlight or waterlogging.

Wilting in Clypeola jonthlaspi is typically a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root damage that impairs water uptake.

Leaf spots on Clypeola jonthlaspi may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, often exacerbated by high humidity or poor air circulation, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency.

Rotting, particularly root rot, in Clypeola jonthlaspi is often caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, leading to fungal infections and decay of the root system.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Clypeola jonthlaspi is not toxic to cats. Ingestion of this plant is unlikely to cause any adverse health effects in felines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your cat if they consume any part of this plant, but it is generally considered safe.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Clypeola jonthlaspi is not toxic to dogs. Ingestion of this plant is unlikely to cause any adverse health effects in canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your dog if they consume any part of this plant, but it is generally considered safe.
Humans
Non-toxic

Clypeola jonthlaspi is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion of this plant.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is advisable to avoid consuming wild plants unless properly identified and confirmed safe for consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Clypeola jonthlaspi toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How easy is it to grow Clypeola jonthlaspi?

A: It is very easy to grow, requiring minimal care.

Q: Does Clypeola jonthlaspi attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Quick Reference
Family: Brassicaceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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