SHEPHERD'S PURSE

(Capsella bursa-pastoris), weed, of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), worldwide in distribution, but native to the Mediterranean region. This widespread lawn and roadside weed is distinguished for its flat, heart-shaped, green fruits that are borne along the flower stalks. The terminal clusters of tiny, four-petalled flowers are white. Below the seeds are small, arrow-shaped, clasping stem leaves. The branching flower stalks arise from a dandelion-like rosette of deeply cut or almost entire basal leaves. The plants sometimes reach 45 centimetres (18 inches) in height.