Common Chickweed

(Stellaria media)

Common Chickweed (Stellaria media)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Stellaria media, commonly known as Common Chickweed, is an annual or perennial herb that originates from temperate regions of Eurasia. It is adaptable to a variety of habitats, including fields, gardens, and waste areas, often thriving in moist, fertile soils. In colder climates, it behaves as an annual, while in warmer zones, it can be evergreen and perennial. The plant typically grows with weak slender stems up to 40 cm (16 inches) in length and is sparsely hairy. Its foliage forms dense mats, which can be quite extensive. The small, star-shaped white flowers have five very deeply lobed petals, though some plants may be petal-less. These flowers are followed by the quick formation of seed capsules, allowing the plant to spread efficiently. Common Chickweed blooms and sets seed simultaneously, ensuring a continuous life cycle throughout the growing season.

Common Chickweed is valued for its use as a cooling herbal remedy and is cultivated as a vegetable crop and ground cover. It is also grown for consumption by humans and poultry. The plant is known for its ease of maintenance and its ability to form a dense ground cover quickly. In cultivation, it prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and requires medium amounts of water. It is not particular about soil type, thriving in a range of drainage conditions from slow to fast. However, gardeners should be aware of its potential to become invasive outside its native range and should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-1.2 feet
  • Width: 0.3-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Groundcover, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Temperate regions of Eurasia, including fields, gardens, and waste areas

Other Names

Common Names: Chickweed , Chickweed Starwort , Common Starwort , Maruns , Winterweed , Almindelig Fuglegræs , Gewöhnliche Vogelmiere , Vogel-Sternmiere , Vogelmiere , Picagallina

Scientific Names: Stellaria media , Stellaria pallida , Stellaria alsine , Stellaria dichotoma , Stellaria media subsp. media , Alsine media , Stellaria umbrosa , Stellaria media var. gymnocalyx , Alsine marginata , Stellaria elisabethae

GBIF Accepted Name: Stellaria media (L.) Vill.