Shepherd's Purse - Capsella bursa-pastoris

Shepherd's Purse - Capsella bursa-pastoris

​

Edible plant in moderation - novice

​

Other common names: Mother's Heart

 

Scientific name meaning: Capsella comes from the Latin "Capsa", meaning "case or box" and a reference to the resemblance of the seed pod's to a medieval Shepherd's Purse. In another reference to the seedpod shape, "Bursa" is both a Greek and Modern Latin word meanign "a hide- or skin-made pouch. Pastoris is derived from the Latin "Pastor", meaning "shepherd or herdsman"

​

Season All year

​

Habitat - where will I find it? In grassland and disturbed earth

​

Description - what does it look like? Shepherd's Purse has a basal rosette of thin, lobed leaves. Its flower stalk reaches up to 40cm and has leaves at intervals up it. These leaves a not lobed, clasp the stalk, and are sessile (they are not attached to the stalk via their own stalk).

The flowers themselves are very small, white and cruciform - having four petals in a cross formation.

The flowers develop into seed pods that are the shape of an inverted triangle with a notch on the uppermost edge. This give the appearance of an elongated loveheart

​

​

Possible lookalikes Shepherd's Cress (Teesdalia nudicaulis) may be easily confused with Shepherd's Purse, but can be distinguished by the seed pods.

​

Use as a food The leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked and have a cress- (raw) or cabbage-like (cooked) taste. The seed pods add a nice crunch and texture to salads, and can also be cooked. Left to age, the seeds become peppery and can be used as a pepper substitute. 

The root has a spiciness to it and has been used to replace ginger. 

All parts should be eaten in moderation - see Hazards

​

Use in herbal medicine Shepherd's Purse has been used as a stimulant, vasoconstrictor and vasodilator, to treat PMS, nosebleeds, diarrhoea, wounds, scurvy, and cancer.

It is a known anti-fertility plant, and is proven to increase uterine contractions. 

If you are suffering from any ailment or need medical advice, please see your General Practitioner

​

Other uses When placed in water, the seed of Shepherd's Purse is said to attract and kill mosquitoes and their larvae

​

Hazards Should be avoided by pregnant women, and those who have thyroid or heart problems.

Can be toxic in large quantities, causing breathing difficulty.  Can become addictive in some cases

​

Importance to other species The flowers of Shepherd's Purse provide a year round source of nectar for pollinators

​

Always stay safe when foraging. You need to be 100% sure of your identification, 100% sure that your foraged item is edible, and 100% sure that you are not allergic to it (it is good practice to always try a small amount of any new food you are consuming). If in doubt, leave it out!