Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Capsella

Capsella

9.8
A group of small plants in the mustard family, like shepherd's purse
  • noun
  • /ˈkæpsələ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Capsella
  • Capsella is a genus in the mustard family, best known for the species shepherd's purse.

Examples

  • The common weed Capsella can often be seen blooming in early spring.

  • Researchers studied the distribution of Capsella species in different soils.

  • The Capsella plant is often found in gardens.

  • I saw a beautiful Capsella bloom yesterday.

  • Capsella is commonly known for its small white flowers and distinctive seed pods.

  • The Capsella plant is often used in studies of plant ecology.

  • Many gardeners appreciate Capsella for its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions.

Compounds

Capsella bursa-pastoris
  • Specialized
9.9

A small white-flowered plant that grows as a common weed with heart-shaped seed pods

Surface Forms

Capsella singular
Capsellas plural

Etymology

Capsella comes from the Latin word capsella, which means 'little box', and from capsa 'box', and is related to the English word capsule. The plants have small, purse-shaped seed pods like tiny boxes, so the name describes their seed pods.