Family: Brassicaceae
shepherd's-purse
[Bursa bursa-pastoris (L.) Britton, more... ]
Etymology: Capsella: Latin for "a little box"
Plants: erect, annual, 4"-24" tall forb, with a few branches
Leaves: basal leaves oblong, pinnately-lobed; stem leaves smaller, mostly linear, appearing to clasp the stem with the 2 basal lobes
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/4" wide, petals longer than the sepals; inflorescence a dense cluster (raceme) of stalked flowers, elongating with age; blooms April-Aug.
Fruits: heart-shaped to triangular, flat pod
Habitat: disturbed sites such as lawns and roadsides
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Plants: erect, annual, 4"-24" tall forb, with a few branches
Leaves: basal leaves oblong, pinnately-lobed; stem leaves smaller, mostly linear, appearing to clasp the stem with the 2 basal lobes
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/4" wide, petals longer than the sepals; inflorescence a dense cluster (raceme) of stalked flowers, elongating with age; blooms April-Aug.
Fruits: heart-shaped to triangular, flat pod

Habitat: disturbed sites such as lawns and roadsides
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FAC- USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Purple Sage - Ethnobotanical Information: Detailed usage, preparation, and other helpful information