Family
Caryophyllaceae
Botanical Name
Stellaria media
Plant Common Name
General Description
Bedeviling gardeners worldwide, this vigorously spreading annual is native to Europe but naturalized across the globe.
The small, bright green, oval leaves of this rampant annual are paired along lax to upright stems that grow most vigorously in cool moist conditions. The stems root at the nodes wherever they touch ground. Plants grow through winter in mild climates. The small, white, starry flowers are borne throughout the growing season. Tiny capsules follow the flowers, releasing numerous seeds that germinate with abandon during cool moist spells. Seeds that don't germinate immediately may remain viable for many years.
A common invader of lawns and flower beds, chickweed thrives in sun, cool air, and moist rich soil, but tolerates a wide variety of conditions and sites. Control of this weed requires removing or closely mowing plants to prevent them from flowering and self-sowing.
Characteristics
-
Plant Type
Annual
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
3"-18" / 7.6cm - 45.7cm
-
Width
6"-24" / 15.2cm - 61.0cm
-
Bloom Time
Indeterminate
-
Native To
Europe, Asia
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
None
-
Flower Color
White
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Repeat Bloomer
Yes
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Foliage Texture
Fine
-
Foliage Sheen
Matte
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
Yes
-
Self-Sowing
Yes
