Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

Discussion in 'Fruit and Vegetable Gardening' started by wolf, Oct 14, 2009.

  1. wolf

    wolf Active Member

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    Location:
    Waterloo, Ont
    Shepherd's purse is considered a weed on farms in North America. It is an annual or biannual that do well on disturbed soils, especially fertile soils. One plant can produce tens thousands tiny seeds in summer.

    More information can be found on Wikipedia, [WIKI]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsella_bursa-pastoris[/WIKI]

    Shepherd's purse is a crucifer. It is considered a delicacy in China. There is even commercial growing of it in China.

    On medical side, shepherd's purse can stop bleeding. It could also reduce breast milk production. Therefore pregnant and lactating mothers should minimize the exposure. Same goes for people with cardiovascular problems such as thick blood.

    I have gathered seeds from one plant and sowed lots of them in my overwinter patch. Hopefully next spring I can enjoy some fresh Shepherd's purse.
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  2. LilSprout

    LilSprout Active Member

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    Thank you for your input - are you bleeding internally? LOL!
    Why else would you eat it?
     
  3. wolf

    wolf Active Member

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    It tastes great. I don't eat it for any medical benefits. Shepherd purse dumplings is a Chinese classic dish.
     
  4. thanrose

    thanrose Active Member 10 Years

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    Jacksonville, FL USA USDA Zone 9

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