UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

UK Sheperd's-purse

Herb Icon Native Flower     First Aid Symbol  Edible Symbol 
Image of Sheperd's-purse
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Family: Brassicaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Sheperd's-purse
Scientific Name Capsella bursa-pastoris
MainColor White
PlantType Herb Icon Herb
Distribution Native Flower Native
Season Found April (Jan - Dec)
ImageUrl Capsella-001
Photographer DP
Location Found Hemel Hempstead
Country Found UK
Last Updated 13 September 2026
Photo Quality A

Flower Details

Description

Shepherd's Purse is a small, annual herb known for its distinctive heart-shaped seed pods. It typically grows up to 60 cm tall and has small white flowers. The plant is commonly found in disturbed soils, gardens, and roadsides.

Distribution

It is native to Eastern Europe and Asia Minor but has spread worldwide, thriving in temperate regions.

Medicinal/Other Uses First Aid Symbol

✅ Traditionally used as a remedy for bleeding disorders and menstrual issues due to its astringent properties.

Edibility Edible Symbol  

Edible - young leaves can be consumed raw or cooked and have a peppery taste.

Human Toxicity
Non_Toxic

Non Toxic - generally considered safe for human consumption in moderate amounts.

Pet Toxicity Pet Toxicity

Non Toxic to most pets - no known toxic effects reported for common household animals.

Active Compounds

Glucosinolates, flavonoids, tannins.

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