Scientific Family
Brassicaceae
Synonyms
Capsella rubella
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
3 to 18 inches
Riparian
Yes
A small invasive plant with flat, lance shaped upper leaves attached by the pointed end to fine stalks along the stem.
Distinctive flattened triangular (heart-shaped) fruits and hairs on lower herbage distinguish this from other genus in the Brassicaceae family. There is only 1 species in this genus.
Habitat
Has become well-established throughout the U.S. and Canada. It is common in cultivated fields, gardens, waste areas including roadsides, and poorly maintained pastures.
Plant Community
Riparian
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Disturbed Areas
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
0
High elevation
9200
Flower Characteristics
This plant is one of the first to flower in spring. It's bloom time is determined by its location and in some areas it can bloom throughout the year. Four regular petals typical of the mustard family.
Flower color
White
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
January
Last bloom month
December
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
One to several erect and slender stems from a basal rosette. The lower rosette leaves are deeply dissected while the upper leaves are lance shaped, clasp the stem, and are toothed or entire.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Pinnatifid
Leaf margin
Dissected
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Base is wedge-shaped and notched.
Fruit type
Pod
Fruit color
Reddish-brown
Seed pods are heart-shaped and 2 celled. The plant reproduces entirely from seeds which are very small and oblong with a ridge on each side.