Weed Shepherd's-purse
Scientific Name Capsella bursa-pastoris
Family Mustard Family (Brassicaceae, formerly Cruciferae)
Life Cycle Winter annual
Reproduction Method Reproduces by seed
Appearance Shepherd's-purse emerges from a thin, branched taproot to form a rosette of leaves and thin, erect, usually branched stems to 24 inches tall. The stems are usually covered with grayish hairs.
Leaves Forming a rosette, the basal leaves are simple, 2 to 5 inches long, and variably lobed, serrated, or divided. Leaves on the stems are alternate, 1 to 4 inches long, and are usually toothed or lobed. The bases on these leaves are ear-like and clasp or wrap around the stem.
Flowers Flowers on Shepherd's-purse are small and white with 4 petals set in the shape of a cross. They are 1/12 to 1/6" wide and occur in elongated clusters at ends of branches on slender stems. Flowering period is from March to frost, and the fruit is a heart-shaped or triangular capsule.
Occurrence Shepherd's-purse occurs in thin turf and new seedings; it tolerates saline soils.
Non Chemical Control To control without chemicals, maintain turf density and health through proper culture and use adequate seed to provide seedling density. Hand pull or mechanically remove before flowering.
Chemical Control
Application Period Apply postemergence broadleaf herbicides during periods of active growth in mid spring and again during autumn.
Active Ingredient in Labeled Products

Preemergent

Postemergent

  • triclopyr
  • dithiopyr
  • isoxaben
  • pendimethalin
  • prodiamine
  • 2,4-D
  • 2,4-DP
  • bentazon
  • chlorsulfuron*
  • clopyralid
  • dicamba
  • MCPA
  • MCPP
*not on tall fescue or ryegrass turf
Notes Apply postemergence broadleaf herbicides during periods of active growth in mid spring and again during autumn.

(Click on Image to Enlarge and Sharpen Photograph)

Shepherd's purse plant

Shepherd's purse flowers and seed pods

Shepherd's purse plants

Shepherd's purse seed pod

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