Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
Care, watering, light and tips for Shepherd's purse on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Shepherd's purse
Capsella bursa-pastoris, commonly known as 'shepherd's purse', is a small annual or biennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family, characterized by its basal rosette of leaves and tiny white flowers. Its distinctive heart-shaped or inverted triangular seed pods, reminiscent of old shepherds' pouches, give it its common name. Although often considered a weed, its delicate stature and unassuming flowers can add a natural touch to wild-style gardens or roadside edges.
Native range
Europe and temperate Asia
Care tips
This plant is extremely adaptable and low-maintenance. It prefers locations with full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained ones. Watering is rarely necessary once established, as it is very drought-tolerant. The most common mistake to avoid is attempting to grow it indoors, as it is an outdoor plant that readily self-seeds.
How to save a dying Shepherd's purse
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or pale leaves, stunted growth, general wilting, scarce or no flowering.
- First aid
- Check drainage; if potted, consider transplanting to well-drained soil. Ensure full sun exposure. Water moderately if soil is dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot, excessive shade hindering development and flowering, or compacted, poor soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's a resilient plant. Act quickly by correcting drainage, sun exposure, and soil type to see recovery.