Shepherds purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

Common throughout NZ. Annual.

 

Identification

Its leaves are lobed but vary widely in shape even among plants growing together. It has a central stem (15-50 cm tall) carrying small white flowers and buds that are heart-shaped.

 

Characteristics

Controlled in pasture by grazing and not letting it seed. The seed is viable for many years in the soil and plants appear in most crops/pasture sowings. It’s tolerant of cold conditions and often grows through winter to set seed in spring.