![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/2mDGbPlwZNSLn1fDFgvYZs/cc4c80fd6e7a3a5d48270689ee2ce708/shephards_needle_01.jpg?fm=webp&w=1080&q=85)
Shepherd's needle
Scandix pecten-veneris
Importance
Weed of arable land particularly on calcareous soils in eastern and southern England. Mainly germinates in the spring.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/1W8QZxn7EHhjLZkBdj6Zkz/2acd1613cf21548bc5d76434b7cef4bf/shephards_needle_01.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
1. Dark green, slender, glossy and very long cotyledons.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/5Fv3FNoKCaXtZq0W03zSFT/a1ac9c2d77ef03521856fbe74cbb4e2f/shephards_needle_02.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
2. Pinnae very narrow with pointed tips (similar to carrot leaves).
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/1LyGaZKo7o4sSlWGWi5nE3/452582708197283d041eafc54be7822f/shephards_needle_03.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
3. 10-15 cm high, terminal white flowers, 1-3 rayed umbels. Flowers spring to summer.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/1h0qvud54Zy9GzLekPOd5R/677728ff5c36c4492f44e69e75b97e83/FieldMate_Promo_Mobile.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3CvKagUshwoSyxEDqRj52c/bd6e3be09e808d22cf4c4c324b6d4ac7/FieldMate_Promo_Desktop.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3CvKagUshwoSyxEDqRj52c/bd6e3be09e808d22cf4c4c324b6d4ac7/FieldMate_Promo_Desktop.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)