Shepherd's Purse
Capsella bursa-pastoris
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Pl. 6C5F — Capsella bursa-pastoris
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IOverview
Overview
Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is an annual forb or herb that thrives in a wide range of environments across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Native to Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and other regions, it has spread widely due to its adaptability. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving in moist to dry conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil. It is hardy in zones 6-10 and can grow up to 0.3 meters tall. Known for its edible leaves, shoots, and seeds, Shepherd's Purse is both ornamental and useful as a food source. Its distinctive feature includes seed pods that resemble small purses, giving it its common name.
Quick answers
What is Shepherd's Purse?
Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is an annual forb or herb that thrives in a wide range of environments across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Native to Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and other regions, it has spread widely due to its adaptability.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Shepherd's Purse thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will grow better with regular moisture. This annual plant is hardy in zones 6-10 and reaches a height of about 0.3 meters. For best results, sow seeds directly into the garden soil in spring after all danger of frost has passed. Harvest leaves, shoots, and seeds for culinary use throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-10
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Shepherd's Purse for the first time
8steps
Shepherd's Purse is a hardy annual that thrives in most beginner-friendly conditions, making it an excellent choice for your first gardening project.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds of Shepherd's Purse, small pots or direct planting area, and some basic tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or sow directly after the last frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. Ensure the soil is well-draining; amend if necessary with compost.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep, about 15-20 cm apart in rows. Alternatively, start indoors and transplant when seedlings have two true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist until germination. Thin plants to 30 cm apart once they are established.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune or harvest leaves and shoots as needed for use in salads or cooking; seeds can be collected when they turn brown.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to thin seedlings, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:Pest controloilSoil reclamationDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe13 regions
native (13)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceRussiaSpain
Asia2 regions
native (2)AfghanistanChina
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaEgypt
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., East Himalaya, Føroyar, Gulf States
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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