use
Shepherd's purse was already valued as a medicinal herb in the Middle Ages. It possesses hemostatic properties and was used particularly in gynecology. Its leaves have a flavor reminiscent of cress and are wonderfully used in salads, herb curds, or as a spicy addition to wild herb dishes.
Although many dismiss it as a "weed," shepherd's purse belongs to the cruciferous family, the same plant family as mustard and cabbage. It grows quickly, blooms persistently, and proves robust even in adverse weather conditions.
Anyone who cultivates a natural garden or is committed to wild cooking can welcome shepherd's purse – as a small, heart-shaped gesture from nature.
When the shepherd's purse takes up too much space
As charming as shepherd's purse may be with its small, heart-shaped fruits, it can quickly become a nuisance in vegetable patches or freshly seeded areas. Its ability to germinate almost year-round and bloom quickly makes it an extremely persistent weed.
If you want to contain its spread, you should remove the plant before the seeds ripen – ideally along with its taproot. Since shepherd's purse often self-seeds, it's worth checking regularly and weeding early.
Dense planting with ground-cover crops can also help compete with light-loving weeds for space. Mulching open areas also suppresses the germination of new plants.
Gardening in harmony with nature doesn't necessarily mean letting everything grow—it means consciously deciding what can stay. Shepherd's purse certainly has its qualities—but, as is so often the case, the skill lies in moderation.
