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Integrated Crop Management
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Shepherdspurse

Shepherdspurse                              Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic.

Family:   Brassicaceae (Mustard family)   
Life cycle:   Winter annual 
Native status:  Introduced
Habitat:   Alfalfa and no-till fields; landcapes; disturbed areas    

General description:   Rosette of leaves up to 4 in long; seedling leaves are slightly toothed, as rosettes mature older leaves are deeply lobed.  Flower stalk reaches height of up to 2 ft with numerous heart-shaped pods.  Leaves on flower stalks are smaller, lanceolate, and lack the deep lobes.

Key ID traits:  Deeply lobed leaves; triangular/heart-shaped seed capsules.

Miscellaneous:   Named because of the unique shape of seed capsules, reminiscent of purses shepherds carried in earlier times.

Shepherdspurse rosette
Shepherdspurse rosette with deeply lobed leaves
seed capsules
The triangular/heart-shaped seed capsules are a distinguishing ID trait.

 

Authored by:
Bob Hartzler
Bob Hartzler
  • Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
Dr. Bob Hartzler is a former professor of agronomy and a former extension weed specialist with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Iowa State University. He conducted research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean. Dr. Hartzler also taught undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identification.
Meaghan Anderson
Meaghan Anderson
  • Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management.
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