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.
Meaghan Anderson Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension field specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Educational programming is available for farmers, agribusinesses, pesticide applicators, certified crop advisors, and other individuals interested in...