1. Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. (shepherd’s purse)
Pl. 316 i–k; Map 1330
Plants annual, terrestrial. Stems (2–)10–50(–70) cm long, erect, usually
few-branched, pubescent near the base with sessile stellate, stalked forked,
and unbranched hairs. Leaves (1–)2–10(–15) cm long, sparsely to moderately
pubescent with sessile stellate and unbranched hairs, the basal leaves usually
numerous, petiolate, the leaf blades oblanceolate, toothed to deeply pinnately
lobed with numerous irregular lobes, the stem leaves few, progressively
reduced, alternate, mostly sessile, the bases clasping with prominent, rounded
to somewhat pointed auricles, linear to lanceolate, entire or shallowly
toothed. Inflorescences panicles, the lower branches subtended by reduced
leaves. Sepals 1–2 mm long, ascending, elliptic, usually sparsely pubescent,
sometimes with white or reddish purple margins. Petals 2–4(–5) mm long, not
lobed, white. Styles 0.2–0.7 mm long. Fruits spreading to ascending, (3–)4–8(–10)
mm long, about as long as wide, obtriangular, flattened at a right angle to the
septum, the tip usually slightly concave, dehiscing longitudinally, each valve
with a network of nerves. Seeds (6–)8–20 in each locule, 0.8–1.1 mm long,
oblong in outline, the surface with a fine, netlike or honeycomb-like pattern
of ridges and pits, orangish yellow. 2n=16, 32. January–December.
Introduced, common throughout the state (native of Europe, western Asia; introduced nearly worldwide). Pastures, fields,
lawns, flower beds, roadsides, railroads, and open, disturbed areas.
This weedy species has several adaptations that help to account for its
worldwide distribution, including partially self-fertile flowers and the
ability to continue blooming nearly throughout the year, with a single plant
capable of producing up to 90,000 seeds in a year (Al-Shehbaz, 1986). The seeds
have a mucilaginous sheath and become sticky when wet, aiding in their
dispersal by shoe soles, animals, and other items that they come into contact
with.
The young rosettes and fruits can be eaten raw and are rich in vitamin C. A
variety of medicinal uses have also been attributed to the plants (reviewed by
Al-Shehbaz, 1986).