shepherd's purse

description
Capsella bursa-pastoris, or shepherd's purse as it is commonly called, is a small annual plant of the Brassicaceae or mustard family.

The shepherd's purse stem emerges from a rosette of lobed leaves at the plant's base and grows to approximately 1/2 to 1 1/2 feet tall. The plant bears a few pointed leaves which partly grasp the stem.

Shepherd's purse small, white flowers are in loose racemes, and produce heart-shaped seed pods. The seeds contain a substance known as mucilage (a viscous, or gelatinous, polysaccharide solution sometimes found in a plant species roots, seeds and other parts).

common names & nomenclature
The common names containing purse references are due to the seed pod's triangular shape—it roughly approximates a small handbag or pouch.

Also known as:
shepherd’s purse, shepherd's bag, lady's purse. witches' pouches, pick-pocket

Capsella bursa-pastoris is native to eastern Europe and Asia minor but is naturalized in many parts of the world, especially in colder climates, including Britain, North America and China, also in the Mediterranean and North Africa.

climate
As it is considered to be a common weed in most regions, shepherd’s purse grows freely in waste places, gardens, and similar areas in sun to part shade.

soil
The plant can flourish in most soils, however it will seed faster in poor soils than in rich soils.

growing
Sow seeds directly in the garden soil in the late winter to spring (February to May months). However the seed can also be sown as late as mid autumn. This common weed of disturbed ground, shepherd’s purse easily maintains itself without assistance.

harvesting
Under cultivation, shepherd’s purse's leaves can grow rather larger than their wild counterparts. The leaves can be harvested in summer or approximately one month after sowing. After the plant's initial harvest, the leaves may be harvested on a continual basis and dried as whole or cut pieces for later use.

preserving
Store dried shepherd's purse in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Shepherd's purse is a foul-smelling annual that reaches 18 inches. Its slender stem rises from a rosette of deeply toothed leaves similar to dandelion. The stem bears a few small leaves and terminates in small white flowers. The fruits are wedge-shaped seed pods, containing literally thousands of yellow seeds, hence the herb's names.

Shepherd's purse grows easily from seeds planted in spring under full sun. It prefers well-drained sandy loam but tolerates most North American soils. If unchecked, it can become a garden lawn pest. To avoid this, clip the seed pods before they open.

The young leaves have a peppery taste and may be added to soups and stews or eaten like spinach. Harvest the leaves and flower tops as the flowers open.

For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults who have no history of heart attack, stroke, or thromboembolism, shepherd's purse is considered relatively safe in amounts typically recommended.

Shepherd's purse should be used in medicinal amounts only consultation with your doctor. If shepherd's purse causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.