Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.
Capsella bursa-pastoris, commonly known as shepherd's-purse, is an annual or biennial herb that belongs to the mustard family Brassicaceae. It has a wide global distribution and is native to Europe and Asia. It has been introduced in North America, South America, and Australia, and grows commonly in disturbed areas such as fields, gardens, roadsides, and waste areas.
Common Names
This plant has a few other commonly used names including bursa-pastoris, shepherd's bag, mother's heart, pepper and salt, and sanguinary. Its scientific name Capsella bursa-pastoris comes from its seedpods, which resemble a shepherd's purse used for carrying money and other small items.
Uses
Capsella bursa-pastoris has been used medicinally for centuries, especially by the European physicians of the middle ages. The plant contains flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and other compounds that help with wound healing, reducing inflammation, and preventing infection. It is used as a diuretic, an anti-hemorrhagic, and for treating various menstrual disorders.
The plant has also been used for culinary purposes, particularly as a salad green or in soups. It has a slightly bitter taste and a peppery flavor that is similar to watercress.
General Appearance
Capsella bursa-pastoris has a rosette of basal leaves that are deeply lobed and size about 5-10 cm long. The stem, which can grow up to 50 cm tall, is thin, erect, and branching. The flowers are small and white with four petals and bloom from April to November. The seed pods are heart-shaped and flat and contain tiny black seeds, which are released when the pod is ripe. The plant has a distinctive odor, often described as a blend of mustard and horseradish.
Light Requirements
Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., commonly known as shepherd's purse, is a sun-loving plant that grows best in full sunlight. It can, however, tolerate partial shade. In regions with hot summers, these plants prefer shade in the afternoon.
Temperature Tolerance
Shepherd's purse is versatile and can grow in a variety of temperatures. It prefers moderate temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C but can tolerate temperatures as low as 4°C and as high as 35°C. This plant isn't frost-resistant, and extended periods of -8°C will kill it.
Soil Conditions
This plant can grow in any soil type, but it prefers moist, well-drained soils. It grows best in soils with a pH range from neutral to slightly acidic. Capsella bursa-pastoris can also grow in dry and nutrient-poor soils, but this may cause stunted growth.
Water Requirements
Shepherd's purse requires moderate to high amounts of water, especially during periods of prolonged drought. Watering should be done frequently to keep the soil moist. Overwatering, on the other hand, will cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Capsella bursa-pastoris, also commonly known as shepherd's purse, is a hardy annual herb that can be easily cultivated outdoors in most regions. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. Seeds can be directly sown into the soil in the spring or fall, and the plant will likely self-seed if allowed to go to seed. To prevent overcrowding, shepherd's purse should be spaced about 6 to 8 inches apart when planting.
Watering Needs
Shepherd's purse requires regular watering to prevent the soil from drying out. The plant does not tolerate drought well, so it is best to keep the soil moist at all times, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil type. During particularly hot and dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the plant from wilting.
Fertilization
Shepherd's purse is a low-maintenance plant that generally does not require much fertilization. However, adding a balanced fertilizer to the soil before planting can help the plant establish itself more quickly. A slow-release fertilizer can also be used mid-season to provide a boost of nutrients. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and do not over-fertilize as this can harm the plant.
Pruning
Shepherd's purse does not require much pruning but can benefit from deadheading. As the plant blooms and produces seeds, it can become leggy and scraggly. Pinch back the spent flower heads to encourage a bushier growth habit and prevent the plant from becoming too tall and spindly. Alternatively, you can allow the plant to go to seed and collect the seeds for culinary or medicinal use.
Propagation of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.
Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., commonly known as shepherd's purse, is a flowering plant belonging to the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is an annual plant and grows up to a height of 20 to 60 cm. The plant has a rosette of basal leaves and produces small white flowers from April to September.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Capsella bursa-pastoris is by seeds. The plant produces an abundance of seeds that can be collected and sown directly into the soil in autumn or spring. The seeds germinate readily in cool soil, and new plants emerge quickly.
Before sowing, the soil should be prepared by weeding and removing any debris. The seeds should be sown thinly on the surface of the soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seeds should be kept moist with regular watering until they germinate.
Propagation by Cuttings
Capsella bursa-pastoris can also be propagated by cuttings. Take cuttings from healthy, disease-free plants in spring or summer and plant them in moist soil. Cuttings should be about 5 to 8 cm long and should have at least two leaves. Remove any lower leaves from the stem and plant the cutting in a moist potting mix.
The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment until it establishes roots. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be potted on into a larger pot or planted out into the garden.
Propagation by Division
Although Capsella bursa-pastoris does not naturally divide, it is possible to divide the mature plant carefully. The plant should be lifted from the ground, and the roots should be gently teased apart. Any dead or damaged roots should be removed, and the remaining roots should be replanted in a new location, taking care to water the plant thoroughly and not to damage any of the roots.
Capsella bursa-pastoris does not require any special precautions for propagation and can be propagated easily using one of the three methods described above.
Disease and Pest Management for Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.
Capsella bursa-pastoris, also known as shepherd's purse, is generally a hardy plant that doesn't suffer from many diseases or pests, but it is not completely immune to them. When pests or diseases do attack the plant, it is important to identify the problem quickly and take immediate action.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Capsella bursa-pastoris is powdery mildew. The fungus forms a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems, which can cause stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to spray the plant with a mixture of baking soda and water or neem oil on a weekly basis until the fungus is under control.
Another common disease that can affect Capsella bursa-pastoris is root rot. This fungal disease is caused by overwatering and poor soil drainage, which can lead to the plant's roots rotting and ultimately dying. To prevent root rot, it is important to ensure proper drainage and not overwater the plant. If root rot does occur, it is recommended to remove the affected parts of the plant and treat the remaining healthy parts with a fungicide.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Capsella bursa-pastoris is aphids. These small insects can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking the sap out of the leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage aphids, it is recommended to use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or to simply spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the insects.
Another common pest that can affect Capsella bursa-pastoris is spider mites. These tiny insects can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or neem oil on a weekly basis until the infestation is under control.
Overall, by being vigilant and taking action when necessary, Capsella bursa-pastoris can be successfully managed against the most common diseases and pests that might attack it.
