Chickweed

Chickweed is one of the most common of weeds with the most delicate tiny white star-shaped flowers hence its Latin name, Stellaria media. Stems have a thin line of white hair that grows in a weave-like pattern. Chickweed can grow from 5 to 50 cm. tall.

Leaves

Chickweed leaves are oval with pointed tips that are smooth or slightly hairy.

Flowers

Chickweed flowers are small, white, and are produced at the tips of stems and in angles between branches. The white petals are shorter than the 3-4mm long green sepals; each of the 5 petals is 2-lobed so the flower may appear to have 10 tiny petals.

Preferred Habitat

Chickweed grows in many areas in a wide variety of habitats and soil textures. It is one of the most common weeds found in lawns.

Weed Control

The best way to kill chickweed is by pulling as much of it out of the ground as possible by hand. It has shallow roots and can be easily removed by hoeing or hand pulling.

Not Just a Weed

Young chickweed leaves are used by adding them raw to salads and sandwiches. They can be added to soups and stews as well. When adding to a cooked dish, the stems and flowers can be used also. In homeopathy, the plant is used to relieve rheumatic pains and psoriasis.