BRASSICACEAE
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Common Name: Shepherd's Purse
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inflorescence and fruits (silicles) in Spring--the flowers are very small. Also notice the heart shaped silicles--the shape of the fruits is the derivation of the common name "shepherd's purse" for this plant (this is also the literal meaning of the specific epithet, bursa-pastoris). | another inflorescence and young fruits--what kind of inflorescence is present here? |
flower closeup--note the four petals, arranged in a cross shape, that typify the Brassicaceae (these are small flowers!) | the stem leaves of Capsella bursa-pastoris are narrow and clasp the stems... |
...while the basal leaves are larger and more dissected. | |