Capsella bursa-pastoris

Shepherd's purse
Flowering and fruiting
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Capsella
Species:
C. bursa-pastoris
Binomial name
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Subspecies
  • C. bursa-pastoris subsp. bursa-pastoris
  • C. bursa-pastoris subsp. thracicus (Velen.) Stoj. & Stef.
Synonyms
List
    • Bursa bursa-pastoris (L.) Shafer
    • Nasturtium bursa-pastoris (L.) Roth
    • Rodschiedia bursa-pastoris (L.) G.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb.
    • Thlaspi bursa-pastoris L.
    • Thlaspi bursa-pastoris subsp. pinnatifolia Ehrh.

Capsella bursa-pastoris, known as shepherd's purse or lady's purse because of its triangular flat fruits, which are purse-like, is a small annual and ruderal flowering plant in the mustard family (Brassicaceae).

Scientists have referred to this species as a protocarnivore, since it has been found that its seeds attract and kill nematodes as a means to locally enrich the soil.

It is native to Eurasia but is naturalized and considered a common weed in many parts of the world, especially in colder climates. It has a number of culinary uses.