Shepherd's Purse - What is Shepherd's Purse

Overview:

Shepherd's purse is a delicate herb that is often overlooked. It grows in overgrown areas, and is hard to pick out surrounded by other grasses. The heart shaped leaves will draw your eye, once you start to see it though. A good reason to slow down and look at the beauty around you.

Latin Name:

Capsella bursa-pastoris

Common Name:

Shepherd's Purse

USDA Hardiness Zone:

Virtually everywhere in North America in early to mid-spring.

Exposure:

Full Sun, disturbed soil

Harvest:

Snip aerial parts. Shepherd's purse can often be found singly however, and gathering in the wild can be tedious. Cultivates well in your healing garden, for obtaining larger amounts.

Uses:

Shepherd's purse is used to stop internal bleeding. It is usually recommended to tincture the fresh herb plant, and many herbalists believe that the dried herb loses its potency.

Shepherd's purse is in the mustard family, therefore, it has a spicy bite. Add it to salads and see if you enjoy the lively taste!