_Capsella Bursa-pastoris_
_Flowers_--Small, white, in a long, loose raceme, followed by triangular
and notched (somewhat heart-shaped) pods, the valves boat-shaped and
keeled. Sepals and petals 4; stamens 6; 1 pistil. _Stem:_ 6 to 18 in.
high, from a deep root. _Leaves:_ Forming a rosette at base, 2 to 5 in.
long, more or less cut (pinnatifid), a few pointed, arrow-shaped leaves
also scattered along stem and partly clasping it.
_Preferred Habitat_--Fields, roadsides, waste places.
_Flowering Season_--Almost throughout the year.
_Distribution_--Over nearly all parts of the earth.
From Europe this little low plant found its way, to become the commonest
of our weeds, so completing its march around the globe. At a glance one
knows it to be related to the alyssum and candytuft of our gardens,
albeit a poor relation in spite of its vaunted purses--the tiny,
heart-shaped seed-pods that so rapidly succeed the flowers. What is the
secret of its successful march over the face of the earth? Like the
equally triumphant chickweed, it is easily satisfied with unoccupied
waste land, it avoids the fiercest competition for insect trade by
prolonging its season of bloom far beyond that of any native flower, for
there is not a month in the year when one may not find it even in New
England in sheltered places.