I don't know if it does or not but I did find this....

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CABU2

Joyce

Joyce:

According to the link you gave, it does grow here, at least around Twin Cities area. It seems to be considered as a weed here. :-( Next spring I will go out to the fields and look for it. Most photos show the flower only. We actually just eat the leave part. When the plant flowers, it is too tough to eat.

This is the part we eat, while it is still young and tender:

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Great information. I'll be looking for it this spring. Other edible "weeds"

dandelions (before they flower) Grandma used to make a salad, and the Amana Colonies where she was from make wine!

purslane - really good just out of the garden

nettles - boiled first to get rid of the sting

I'm sure many more!

Lynn

Yeap, I remember digging Purslane as a child. We had a great earthquke in 1976 and camped out for about a year. Food was limited. Purslane was a main suppliment for vegetable. We children felt so proud and accomplished when we brought home basketful of Purslane. :)

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I've never had nettles though.

Shepherds Purse is a common winter annual weed here. Although you do see it sprout in spring (and can grow it likewise), naturally it begins in summer to fall, survives the winter, resumes growth in early spring, blooms and finishes it life cycle by early to mid summer.

Good information, Rick.

I got some Shepherds Purse seeds from a friend. Planted them in spring and they grew a little bit, not big enough to eat, and flowered. Now I know why. I should sow them in late summer and perhpas harvest in fall.

Actually, I am not exactly sure what happens in late summer/fall, as far as actual plant growth. I have always pulled them before they get very big. It might be that rather than producing tons of leaves, they will opt to store the energy for the following spring (when flowers are produced), and that might be when the best time to harvest will be. You'll need to either experiment, or do some research.

Rick

Where did you get the seeds? Thanks

In our area Sheperd's Purse can be an invasive weed. It gets it name because the seeds look like little purses. It is used as medicine in some areas. Makes a nice addition to your dried arrangements.