Shepherd's purse is which type of annual?

Shepherd's purse is classified as a winter annual. This means that it typically germinates in the fall, establishes itself during the cooler months of winter, and then flowers and sets seed in the spring. The life cycle of winter annuals is characterized by their ability to withstand cold temperatures during a significant part of their early growth phase. They have a unique adaptation that allows them to thrive in cooler conditions, which is a defining feature of this category.

In contrast, spring annuals germinate in the spring and complete their life cycle before the onset of winter, summer annuals germinate in late spring or early summer, and fall annuals do not exist as a distinct category like winter annuals do. Thus, knowing the life cycle and seasonal behaviors of different types of annuals helps clarify why Shepherd's purse fits the definition of a winter annual.