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Capsella bursa-pastoris

Species category

Weed

Common name

shepherd's purse

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Compressed ovalOval:
Broadly elliptic.

Size

  • Length: 1 mm
  • Width: 0.5 mm
  • Thickness: 0.25 mm

Color

Brown

Texture

Fine reticulations

Other structures

Radicle lobe outlined on one margin, two cotyledonsCotyledon:
The modified storage leaf or pair of leaves of an embryo and seedling (see primary leaf).
 on the other.

Identification notes

Seeds are compressed ovalOval:
Broadly elliptic.
. Indentations separating radicleRadicle:
The rudimentary root of the embryo, developing into the primary root after emergence from the seed coat.
 and cotyledonCotyledon:
The modified storage leaf or pair of leaves of an embryo and seedling (see primary leaf).
 lobes are distinct.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet.

Nomenclature

Family

Brassicaceae

Valid name

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.

Synonyms

Bursa bursa-pastoris (L.) Britton
Bursa bursa-pastoris (L.) Britton var. bifida Crép.
Bursa gracilis Gren.
Capsella rubella Reut.
Thlaspi bursa-pastoris L.

From Left to Right: 1. Descurania sophia 2. Descurania pinnata 3. Capsella brusa-pastoris .
From Left to Right: 1. Descurania sophia 2. Descurania pinnata 3. Capsella brusa-pastoris.
Capsella bursa-pastoris. Seeds with a radicle lobe outlined on one margin with two cotyledons on the other. 
Capsella bursa-pastoris. Seeds with a radicle lobe outlined on one margin with two cotyledons on the other.