broadleaf weed · annual

How to Kill Shepherd's Purse

Capsella bursa-pastoris

Hand-pull or digeasy to controlLawn & beds

What Shepherd's Purse looks like

Rosette of deeply lobed basal leaves with a tall flower stalk. Small white flowers produce distinctive heart-shaped seed pods along the stem.

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Best approach: Hand-pull or dig

Easy to pull — shallow taproot comes out cleanly. Pull before the heart-shaped seed pods form to prevent spreading. In flower beds, hand-pulling is the best approach.

Non-chemical management

Hand-pull before seed pods form. Easy to remove due to shallow taproot.

How to stop Shepherd's Purse coming back

Maintain dense turf or thick mulch. Pull seedlings early before they bolt and set seed.

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FAQ

What does Shepherd's Purse look like?

Rosette of deeply lobed basal leaves with a tall flower stalk. Small white flowers produce distinctive heart-shaped seed pods along the stem.

What's the best way to kill Shepherd's Purse?

Hand-pull or dig. Easy to pull — shallow taproot comes out cleanly. Pull before the heart-shaped seed pods form to prevent spreading. In flower beds, hand-pulling is the best approach.

Is Shepherd's Purse hard to get rid of?

Shepherd's Purse is rated easy to control. Most homeowners can handle it in one or two treatments.

How do I stop Shepherd's Purse coming back?

Maintain dense turf or thick mulch. Pull seedlings early before they bolt and set seed.

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