Shepherd's Purse

Common Name: Shepherd’s Purse  
Scientific: Capsella bursta-pastoris
Family: Brassicaceae/Crucuferae

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Description: Shepherd’s Purse is a medicinal mustard that is considered by most in North America as a weed. However, it has been used for centuries in European and Asian cooking and medicine.  Recent studies have shown the many anti-inflammatory and anti-superbacterial qualities of this underappreciated plant.   
Origin & History:  The name is derived from the heart-shaped seed pods that resemble the leather satchels once carried by shepherds in Europe and Asia Minor.  It’s origin is thought to be in Europe and has spread throughout to Asia and the Americas.
Climate, Tolerances & Preferences: Easy to locate in the spring, Shepherd's Purse is found in fields and on the edges of disturbed soil and compaction. It tolerates foot traffic and salted soil.
Propagation & Harvesting/Growth: The seeds germinate late summer and will sometimes reach the rosette stage before the first frost, but will produce stems and flowers after winter. Collect the heart-like seed pods to sow the next season. Grows 1’ tall and spread is 6”-12”
Maintenance: None.  Just look away.
Uses and Properties:
EDIBLE PARTS: Stems, seeds, leaves, and flowers. Seed pods have a peppery taste.  Used as a braised green throughout Asia.
MEDICINAL: High in Vitamin K, it is used externally and internally for blood regulation, nosebleeds, menstruation and wounds. During WWII this herb was used on the field when medicine was scare. The active compounds in the plant are polypeptides, acetylcholine, histamine, and  tyramine.
SOIL BUILDER: Dynamic Accumulator and has large taproot Ca (Calcium,S (Sulfur), Na (Sodium)
FODDER:Used as a mineral supplement.

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