Shepherd's-purse

Plants flourish in most soils. They will grow even in the poorest of soils, though in such a situation the plants might only reach a few centimetres tall before they flower and set seed. In rich soils plants will take longer to go to seed and will grow up to 60cm tall. Shepherd's purse is a very common garden weed that can spread freely in cultivated ground. It is usually in flower and producing seed in all months of the year. This species is a prime example of how a plant can be viewed as an annoying weed in some areas of the world whilst in others it is actually cultivated for its wide range of uses[4, 183]. The plant is extensively cultivated in some areas of the world as a cabbage-flavoured spring greens, in Japan it is one of the essential ingredients of a ceremonial rice and barley gruel that is eaten on January 7th. The leaves grow rather larger under cultivation, they can be harvested about a month after sowing and can be treated as a cut and come again crop. They do run to seed fairly rapidly, however, especially in hot dry weather or when in poor soils[206, K]. A member of the cabbage family, it is a host plant for many diseases of Brassicas. Identification & Habit: Shepherd’s purse is an annual herb with a basal rosette of lobed leaves and a slender flowering stalk that may reach 10–50 cm tall. The stems are lightly hairy, bearing simple and stellate hairs. Leaves occur both at the base and alternately along the stem. Basal leaves are often deeply pinnately lobed with variable shapes—from narrow to broader forms—while upper leaves are lanceolate to linear, usually smaller, and clasp the stem. The inflorescence is a raceme of small white flowers, each with four petals and six stamens, typical of the mustard family. The unmistakable feature is the flattened, heart-shaped to triangular seedpod (silicle), oriented perpendicular to the partition and containing numerous minute seeds. Over time the raceme elongates and seedpods mature sequentially upward, giving the plant its distinctive appearance. Habitat & Range: Shepherd’s purse is globally distributed and nearly cosmopolitan. In the United States, it occurs in every state, though it is less common in the driest parts of the Southwest. It grows in fields, agricultural areas, vacant lots, garden beds, roadside edges, and disturbed soils. Its remarkable adaptability has allowed it to spread worldwide. Size & Landscape Performance: Plants typically reach 10–50 cm in height, forming a basal rosette 5–25 cm across. In nutrient-rich soils they can grow larger, but they usually remain small. They may appear weedy but are easily managed and may self-seed lightly in gardens. Cultivation (Horticulture): Shepherd’s purse is simple to grow and often volunteers readily in garden beds. It prefers cool-weather growth and may function as a winter vegetable in mild climates. As a leafy green, plants should be harvested young to maintain tenderness. It can be intentionally cultivated as a salad or cooked green, though most people rely on wild populations. References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information Temperature Converter Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit: Celsius Fahrenheit: The PFAF Bookshop Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants , Edible Perennials , Edible Trees , Edible Shrubs , Woodland Gardening , and Temperate Food Forest Plants . Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical) . Shop Now

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Oil Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 4, 5, 52, 94]. The young leaves, used before the plant comes into flower, make a fine addition to salads. The leaves are a cress and cabbage substitute, becoming peppery with age. Leaves are usually available all year round, though they can also be dried for later use. The leaves contain about 2.9% protein, 0.2% fat, 3.4% carbohydrate, 1% ash. They are rich in iron, calcium and vitamin C. A zero moisture basis analysis is available. The young flowering shoots can be eaten raw or cooked. They are rather thin and fiddly but the taste is quite acceptable. They can be available at most times of the year. Seed - raw or cooked[94, 172]. It can be ground into a meal and used in soups etc[102, 183]. It is very fiddly to harvest and utilize, the seed is very small. The seed contains 35% of a fatty oil. This oil can be extracted and is edible. The seedpods can be used as a peppery seasoning for soups and stews. The fresh or dried root is a ginger substitute[85, 172, 183]. Safety & Cautions (Food Use): While entirely edible, shepherd’s purse contains mustard-family glucosinolates that can cause digestive irritation in large quantities, especially raw. Cooking reduces this risk. As with most mustards, individuals with thyroid issues should moderate intake due to potential goitrogenic compounds when eaten in large amounts. Seeds are potent and should be used sparingly. Young taproots have a horseradish-like flavour and can be grated or used as a pungent seasoning, though they toughen quickly. Seeds, available late in the season, provide a sharp, peppery, mustard-like kick and can be used whole, ground, or infused. Because this species is small, collecting quantity requires time, but it remains one of the most consistently high-quality edible mustards [2-3]. Edibility rating: 4.5/5. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Fresh leaves taste mild to moderately spicy, depending on age and growing conditions. Cooking removes most sharpness, yielding a gentle vegetable flavour suitable for soups, greens mixes, and stir-fries. Leaves are tender and do not require long cooking. Roots must be harvested young; grated roots provide a spicy accent similar to radish or mild horseradish. Seeds fall readily from mature pods and can be used to season dishes or ground into mustard-like pastes. Because the pods dry while still attached, gentle shaking into a container is often the most efficient harvest method. Seasonality (Phenology): Shepherd’s purse can germinate and flower nearly any time of year where moisture is available, though it is most abundant in late winter and spring. Leaves are at their best before flowering begins. Seedpods mature through spring into early summer, depending on local conditions. In cooler climates it persists into autumn; in hotter regions it may complete its life cycle rapidly before summer heat. Harvest & Processing Workflow: For greens, harvest basal leaves

Seed - sow in situ February to May. Seed can also be sown as late as mid autumn. A common weed of disturbed ground, the plant does not normally need any help to maintain itself[K].