Pink shepherd’s-purse (Capsella rubella, Compt.-Rend. Trav. Soc. Hallér 1853-1854: 18 (1853))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: Reut.

Bibliography: Compt.-Rend. Trav. Soc. Hallér 1853-1854: 18 (1853)

Year: 1853

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Capsella

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SC. Europe to Medit.

Description

Pink shepherd’s-purse, scientifically known as Capsella rubella, is a captivating species within the Brassicaceae family. This enchanting plant finds its origins and primary habitat in South-Central Europe, extending its reach to the Mediterranean region, painting landscapes with its delicate beauty.

First recorded in a comprehensive manner by Reut. in the mid-19th century as documented in the “Compt.-Rend. Trav. Soc. Hallér 1853-1854: 18 (1853)”, Capsella rubella stands out for its unique characteristics and its ability to thrive in varied Mediterranean climates. This annual herb is celebrated for its rosy-hued flowers which add a picturesque splash of color to grasslands and open areas.

The Pink shepherd’s-purse is noted not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its botanical importance. It shares many similarities with its close relatives within the Brassicaceae family, yet it displays distinct features that warrant attention and appreciation from botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Traditionally, it has been a subject of intrigue and study due to its adaptive strategies and its role in the ecological tapestry of its native regions.

As such, Capsella rubella embodies both scientific interest and natural allure, making it a significant plant species in the botanical realm. Whether you are a seasoned botanist or someone with a burgeoning interest in plant life, the Pink shepherd’s-purse offers an exciting glimpse into the diverse and wondrous world of Mediterranean flora.

Common Names

Eng: pink shepherd’s-purse, pink shepherd’s purse
Deu: rötliches hirtentäschel
Hun: pirosló pásztortáska
Nld: rood herderstasje
Swe: rödlomme, skärlomme
Cym: pwrs-y-bugail gwridog
En: Pink shepherd’s-purse, Pink Shepherd’s Purse
Zh: 荠菜
Cs: Kokoška červenavá
Nl: Rood herderstasje
Fi: Rusolutukka
Fr: Bourse-à-pasteur rougeâtre, Capselle rougeâtre
De: Rötliches Hirtentäschel, Rötliches Hirtentäschchen
He: ילקוט אדום
Hu: Pirosló pásztortáska
It: Borsapastore annuale
Sv: Rödlomme, Skärlomme
Uk: Грицики червонуваті
Cy: Pwrs-y-bugail gwridog

Synonyms

• Capsella bursa-pastoris subsp. rubella (Berher)
• Thlaspi bursa-pastoris var. rubellum ((Reut.) Loret)
• Capsella bursa-pastoris subsp. occidentalis ((Shull) Maire)
• Capsella concava ((E.B.Almq.) E.B.Almq.)
• Capsella rubescens (Personnat)
• Capsella sabulosa (Jord.)
• Bursa occidentalis (Shull)
• Bursa rubella ((Reut.) Druce)
• Capsella rubella var. sabulosa ((Jord.) Caldesi)
• Capsella bursa-pastoris var. alpestris ((Miégev.) Rouy & Foucaud)
• Capsella bursa-pastoris var. rubella ((Reut.) Batt.)
• Crucifera rubella ((Reut.) E.H.L.Krause)
• Capsella bursa-pastoris var. crispata (Rouy & Foucaud)
• Thlaspi rubellum ((Reut.) Loret & Barrandon)
• Capsella bursa-pastoris concava (E.B.Almq.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Aleutian Is. (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Nov 8, 2020 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2020 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2021 by Zioivan Beirut (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2021 by Aurélie G. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2022 by Zancanaro Massimo (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2020 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 21, 2020 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2021 by Aurélie G. (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 8, 2020 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2021 by Aurélie G. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2021 by Aurélie G. (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5375425)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:280061-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Capsella rubella Reut.)

Specifications

Growth