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Shepherd's Purse

Capsella bursa-pastoris

Shepherd's Purse is a member of the mustard family. The name is derived from the distinctive shape of the seed capsule. A winter annual, it is a problem in alfalfa and other perennial crops.

Photo of Shepherd's Purse

Photo by Dr. John Meade, weed scientist emeritus
Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension