Shepherd's Purse Capsella bursa-pastoris

Shepard's purse is a common winter annual garden weed in the mustard family. It can also be a summer annual.  Winter annuals bloom during the spring to mid-summer, while summer annuals bloom from mid-summer to fall.  It can be found growing in any cultivated soil and most lighting situations except for deep shade.  Being self-fertile, and spreads easily.

The flowers are followed by flat, heart-shaped seedpods that are pointed at the end.  This shape is said to resemble the leather purse of shepherds during the Middle Ages, thus the common name.  Each seedpod has around 20 shiny, ovoid-oblongoid seeds.  They can range in color from yellow to reddish-brown.

It has been noted that the seed attracts mosquitoes when placed in water.  It produces a gummy substance that binds the mosquitoes' mouth to the seed.  Seeds also emit a toxic substance to the larvae.  

When grown on salty/marshy land, it will absorb the salt and sweeten the soil.

The leaves, seeds and flowering shoots are edible, raw or cooked.  Prior to flowering, young leaves can be added to salads.  The seeds can be ground and used for flavoring in soups.  Fresh or dried root can be a substitute for ginger. 

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  Persons with high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, heart disease, or pregnant should avoid this plant.  Toxicity may cause sedation, pupil enlargement, and breathing difficulties. 

The seeds can remain viable in the ground for several, making this persistent plant difficult to eradicate.  Deer eat the leaves and stalks.  The seeds that are eaten pass through its digestive tract and remain viable, therefore can spread to other areas.