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Description
Capsella Bursa-Pastoris, commonly known as the Shepherd’s purse plant, is a flowering plant that belongs to the mustard family. It is an annual herb that grows up to 70 cm in height and blooms from early spring to late autumn. The plant is native to Europe and Asia but has now naturalized in many parts of the world, including North America and Australia. The plant derives its name from the shape of its seed pods, which resemble the pouches that shepherds used to carry their money in.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Capsella |
Appearance
The Shepherd’s purse plant has small, white flowers that bloom in clusters at the top of its stem. Its leaves are deeply lobed and have a toothed margin. The plant’s fruit is a heart-shaped seed pod that is about 2 cm long and contains several seeds. The plant has a green color and can grow up to 70 cm in height.
Care Guide
The Shepherd’s purse plant is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. It requires moderate watering and can grow in most soil types. It prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade. The plant is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. It does not require much fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Shepherd’s purse plant is susceptible to aphids and flea beetles. It can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the plant healthy and well-watered. In case of infestation, insecticides and fungicides can be used.
Habitat
The Shepherd’s purse plant can be found in a variety of habitats, including fields, meadows, waste grounds, and disturbed areas. It is a common weed that can be found in many parts of the world. The plant is known for its ability to grow in poor soil conditions and can tolerate drought and cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Shepherd’s purse plant poisonous?
A: No, the plant is not poisonous and is safe for consumption.
Q: Can the Shepherd’s purse plant be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, the plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Q: Is the Shepherd’s purse plant invasive?
A: Yes, the plant has naturalized in many parts of the world and can become invasive in some areas.
Q: Can the Shepherd’s purse plant be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a pot. It requires moderate sunlight and water.
Related Plants
- Brassica nigra
- Brassica oleracea
- Raphanus sativus
- Sinapis arvensis
References
- “Capsella Bursa-Pastoris.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287978&isprofile=0&.
- “Capsella Bursa-Pastoris.” The Plant List, www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2708579.
- “Shepherd’s Purse.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/14967/Capsella-bursa-pastoris/Details.
