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Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK |
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Oklahoma Alfalfa |
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Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK |
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Oklahoma Alfalfa |
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Shepherdspurse |
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| COMMON NAME: | Shepherdspurse |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME: | Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medicus |
| TYPE: | Annual Cool-season Broadleaf Weed |
| DESCRIPTION | |
| Germination: | August to December. |
| Reproduction: | By seeds in mid-April. |
| Stems: | Erect, 1 to 1 1/2 feet tall, covered with gray hairs. |
| Leaves: | Leaves at base of plant are coarsely lobed, while leaves on upright stems have pointed lobes, are coarsely serrate, and 2 to 4 inches long. |
| Flowers/ Inflorescence: |
Flowers in an elongated raceme, 4 small white petals, arranged in shape of cross. |
| Fruit: | A capsule that is heart-shaped (purse-shaped) |
FOUND: |
Shepherdspurse is found in most crops as well as in non-cultivated areas. It competes with fall planted alfalfa and is one of the first broadleaf weeds appearing in alfalfa as stands thin. Shepherdspurse is not a very competitive weed, but it will occupy the area and cause reduced hay quality. |
CONTROL: |
In seedling stands, shepherdspurse can be controlled with BUTYRAC 200 in the fall. In established stands, shepherdspurse can be controlled by residual herbicides like SINBAR and VELPAR applied in January or February. |
| Jim Stritzke Former Alfalfa Weed Control Specialist Department of Plant and Soil Sciences Oklahoma State University |
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