Shepherd's Purse is best known for its purse-like seedpods that are shaped like hearts. This thick weed won't compete with other growth, so you'll find it most often in weak spots or un-mulched areas in your garden. It thrives during cooler seasons all over the US, but in some tepid climates, Shepherd's Purse will infest yards all year long.
Although it is considered a non-aggressive weed, shepherd's purse can still create problems in your yard. This winter annual reproduces by seed from April until September. It prefers saline soils, sunny weather and weak turf. Each plant produces up to 38,000 seeds, so treat shepherd's purse as soon as you find it.
This rosette-shaped weed doesn't stand a chance in a thick, healthy turf, so make sure to water and fertilize properly. An effective way to control shepherd's purse is pull out by hand before it begins flowering. If the infestation is large, apply a Roundup® Brand Weed & Grass Killer to your weed problem. Avoid treating your grass or landscape beds, as glyphosate, the primary ingredient in Roundup Brand Weed & Grass Killers, will kill any vegetation contacted.
When mature, the seedpods of shepherd's purse are interspersed with its pale pink flowers. These flowering stems grow to be 20 inches tall and are located in the center of each leaf cluster. Pale green seedlings develop into dark green plants during periods of active growth in mid spring and fall. At different stages, shepherd's purse may have separated, lobed or serrated leaves that sprout off of low-growing stems.
