Description

Shepherdspurse is a winter annual. It forms basal leaves as well as alternating stem leaves. The basal leaves are deeply lobed, pointing away from the base. The root of shepherdspurse is a slender taproot, combined with secondary fibrous roots. The flowers of shepherdspurse are white and borne on erect stems that can branch sparingly. The flowers will appear in terminal clusters. The heart-shaped fruit is a 2-part flattened pod, on individual petioles. The seedpods develop along the erect stems. Flowering can occur from April to September. Shepherdspurse spreads by seed. Shepherdspurse is found throughout the United States.