Shepherd’s Purse

Shepherd’s Purse: A Hardy Little Herb That Divides Gardeners

Meet shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursapastoris), a plucky little plant that’s probably growing somewhere near you right now, whether you invited it or not. This humble annual herb might not win any beauty contests, but it’s got personality in spades and a fascinating history that stretches back centuries.

What Exactly Is Shepherd’s Purse?

Shepherd’s purse is an annual forb—basically a non-woody plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. You might also see it spelled as shepherd’s-purse or know it by one of its many botanical synonyms, including the tongue-twisting Thlaspi bursa-pastoris. But let’s stick with the simple common name, shall we?

This little character gets its charming name from its distinctive heart-shaped seed pods, which supposedly resemble the pouches that shepherds once carried. Whether you see the resemblance or not, those tiny pods are actually quite endearing once you notice them.

Where Does Shepherd’s Purse Come From?

Here’s where things get interesting: shepherd’s purse isn’t actually native to North America. This European and western Asian native has made itself thoroughly at home across the continent, from Alaska to Hawaii and everywhere in between. It’s established in all 50 states, every Canadian province, and even remote locations like Greenland and St. Pierre and Miquelon.

The plant has naturalized so successfully that it reproduces on its own and persists without any human help. It’s not considered invasive or noxious, but it’s definitely a skilled colonizer of disturbed soils.

Should You Plant Shepherd’s Purse?

This is where gardeners tend to split into camps. Some appreciate shepherd’s purse for its early spring flowers, its ability to thrive in poor conditions, and its value to wildlife. Others consider it a persistent weed that shows up uninvited and overstays its welcome.

Here are some reasons you might want to give it a chance:

• Early pollinator support: Those small white flowers bloom early in spring when few other nectar sources are available
• Wildlife value: Birds and large animals use it as a food source, comprising 5-10% of their diet
• Tough as nails: Thrives in poor soil where other plants struggle
• Historical interest: Used medicinally for centuries and still valued by herbalists

However, if you prefer native plants (and we always recommend exploring native alternatives first), consider looking into native spring bloomers like wild columbine, spring beauty, or early saxifrage, depending on your region.

Growing Conditions and Care

If you decide to welcome shepherd’s purse into your garden, you’ll find it refreshingly low-maintenance. This adaptable little plant has facultative upland status across most regions, meaning it usually prefers non-wetland areas but can handle some moisture. Only in Hawaii does it stick strictly to upland areas.

Shepherd’s purse thrives in:

• Full sun to partial shade
• Poor to average soils (it actually prefers lean conditions)
• Cool weather—it’s happiest in spring and fall
• USDA zones 2-11 (though as an annual, it’s more about timing than temperature limits)

Planting and Care Tips

The easiest way to grow shepherd’s purse is often to simply let it grow itself. It self-seeds readily and will likely appear on its own in disturbed soil areas, garden edges, and paths.

If you want to be more intentional about it:

• Sow seeds in early spring when soil is cool
• Barely cover seeds—they need light to germinate
• Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
• Water minimally once established
• Expect it to complete its cycle quickly in warm weather

Be aware that shepherd’s purse can become quite prolific if conditions are right. Each plant can produce thousands of seeds, so you might find yourself with more shepherd’s purse than you bargained for.

Garden Design Ideas

Shepherd’s purse works best in informal, naturalized settings rather than formal flower beds. Consider it for:

• Cottage garden edges
• Wild or naturalized areas
• Herb gardens (if you’re interested in its traditional uses)
• Areas with poor soil where other plants struggle
• Spring ephemeral gardens alongside bulbs

The Bottom Line

Shepherd’s purse is one of those plants that grows on you—sometimes literally and sometimes figuratively. While it may not be the showiest addition to your garden, it brings early-season interest, supports local wildlife, and adds a touch of old-world charm with its heart-shaped seed pods.

Whether you actively plant it or simply learn to appreciate it when it shows up on its own, shepherd’s purse represents the resilient spirit of plants that make themselves at home wherever they land. Just remember to keep an eye on it if you don’t want it spreading throughout your entire garden—those little heart-shaped purses are full of ambition!