Back

Click here to search for a different flower

[?]

Open the Advanced Search

Common Chickweed

Stellaria media

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
(in flower all year round)

Order:

Caryophyllales

Family:

Caryophyllaceae (Pink)

Also in this family:

Alpine Catchfly, Alpine Mouse-ear, Alpine Pearlwort, Annual Knawel, Annual Pearlwort, Arctic Mouse-ear, Arctic Sandwort, Berry Catchfly, Bladder Campion, Bog Stitchwort, Bouncing Bett, Cheddar Pink, Childing Pink, Clove Pink, Common Corn-cockle, Common Mouse-ear, Common Soapwort, Coral Necklace, Corn Spurrey, Cyphel, Deptford Pink, Dwarf Mouse-ear, English Sandwort, Field Mouse-ear, Fine-leaved Sandwort, Four-leaved Allseed, Fringed Rupturewort, Fringed Sandwort, Greater Chickweed, Greater Sea-spurrey, Greater Stitchwort, Greek Sea-spurrey, Grey Mouse-ear, Heath Pearlwort, Italian Catchfly, Knotted Pearlwort, Lesser Chickweed, Lesser Sea-spurrey, Lesser Stitchwort, Little Mouse-ear, Maiden Pink, Marsh Stitchwort, Moss Campion, Mossy Sandwort, Mountain Sandwort, Night-flowering Catchfly, Nottingham Catchfly, Perennial Knawel, Pink, Procumbent Pearlwort, Proliferous Pink, Ragged Robin, Recurved Sandwort, Red Campion, Rock Sea-spurrey, Sand Catchfly, Sand Spurrey, Scottish Pearlwort, Sea Campion, Sea Mouse-ear, Sea Pearlwort, Sea Sandwort, Shetland Mouse-ear, Slender Pearlwort, Slender Sandwort, Small-flowered Catchfly, Smooth Rupturewort, Snow Pearlwort, Snow-in-summer, Spanish Catchfly, Spotted Catchfly, Spring Sandwort, Starwort Mouse-ear, Sticky Catchfly, Sticky Mouse-ear, Strapwort, Sweet William, Teesdale Sandwort, Three-nerved Sandwort, Thyme-leaved Sandwort, Upright Chickweed, Water Chickweed, White Campion, Wood Stitchwort

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Annual

Maximum Size:

30 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Fields, gardens, meadows, roadsides, seaside, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:

White, 5 petals

Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) produces delicate, dainty flowers that are typically white or occasionally pale pink. Each flower has five deeply notched petals, giving it a star-like appearance, which is characteristic of the Stellaria genus. These small, unassuming blooms are a testament to the plant's modest beauty, making it a charming addition to the British countryside, where it can be found in gardens, fields, and hedgerows, often carpeting the ground with its subtle floral elegance.

Fruit:

The fruit of Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) consists of small, spherical capsules that house tiny seeds. These capsules eventually split open, releasing the seeds when they are mature. Each seed is encased in a membrane, which aids in its dispersal by wind, animals, or even human activity. The seeds are minute and light, facilitating their ability to spread and establish new colonies of Common Chickweed across the British landscape, contributing to its status as a prolific and adaptable wild plant.

Leaves:

Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) boasts oval to lance-shaped leaves, with a distinctive point at the tip, that are typically opposite each other along the stems. The leaves are generally hairless, though they can sometimes have fine hairs along the margins. Their surface is smooth and bright green, with prominent parallel veins running from the base to the tip. These leaves are quite tender and can vary in size, typically growing to around 1-3 centimetres long. Their vibrant green colour and characteristic leaf shape make Common Chickweed easily recognisable in the lush British landscape, where it thrives in various habitats, including gardens, woodlands, and meadows.

Aroma:

Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) is generally known for its delicate and pleasant, albeit subtle, fragrance. The plant exudes a fresh, earthy scent, often compared to the scent of newly turned soil or the faint aroma of wet earth after a light rain. This fragrance can be especially noticeable when the plant is crushed or bruised, releasing its natural oils and aroma. While it may not be as strongly scented as some other flowering plants, the fragrance of Common Chickweed is appreciated for its simple, clean, and natural quality, adding to the charm of the plant in the British countryside.

Other Names:

Adder's Mouth, Chickenwort, Chickwittles, Craches, Indian Chickweed, Maruns, Mischievous Jack, Nodding Chickweed, Satinflower, Scarweed, Star Chickweed, Starweed, Starwort, Stitchwort, Tongue Grass, White Bird's Eye, Winterweed.

Frequency (UK):

Abundant

Greater Chickweed

Lesser Chickweed

Water Chickweed

Common Mouse-ear

Sticky Mouse-ear

Three-nerved Sandwort

Summary

Stellaria media, also known as chickweed, is a common herbaceous plant in the carnation family that is native to Europe and Asia. It is often found in gardens and fields and is known for its small white flowers and leaves that resemble those of a chick. Chickweed is a common weed that is often considered a nuisance by farmers and gardeners, but it has a number of medicinal properties and is often used in herbal remedies. Some people use chickweed to treat skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, as well as to reduce inflammation and swelling. It is also believed to have diuretic and expectorant properties and is sometimes used to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis. Chickweed is generally considered to be safe when taken in the recommended doses, but it is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before using any new herbal remedies.

Blog

Common Chickweed is a small, annual herb that is commonly found growing in gardens, fields, and along roadsides. It is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to many other parts of the world and is now considered a weed in many areas. Despite its reputation as a weed, Common Chickweed has many medicinal and culinary uses, and is a valuable plant to have in the garden.

Botanical Characteristics

Common Chickweed is a delicate and trailing plant that grows to about 10-30 cm in height. It has small, white flowers that bloom from late spring to early autumn, and its leaves are oval-shaped and green. The plant has a shallow root system, making it easy to pull up if it becomes a nuisance.

Medicinal Properties

Common Chickweed has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It is considered a tonic herb and is used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including skin irritations, digestive problems, and respiratory issues. It is also used to soothe and heal the skin, as it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Culinary Uses

Common Chickweed is also used in cooking, and is a great addition to salads, soups, and stews. Its leaves have a mild, slightly bitter taste and are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.

Growing Common Chickweed

Common Chickweed is easy to grow and does well in a range of soils and growing conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, but will also grow in more shady and moist conditions. To grow Common Chickweed in the garden, simply scatter the seeds on the soil surface and cover with a thin layer of soil. Water well and keep the soil moist until the seeds have germinated.

Common Chickweed is a versatile and valuable plant to have in the garden, with both medicinal and culinary uses. It is easy to grow and is a great plant for gardeners of all levels of experience.

Pests and Diseases

Common Chickweed is generally a hardy and low-maintenance plant, but it can be affected by a few pests and diseases. Some of the most common problems include aphids, slugs, and powdery mildew. Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap, while slugs can be deterred by placing copper tape around the base of the plant. Powdery mildew can be prevented by providing the plant with good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Wildlife Benefits

Common Chickweed is an important plant for wildlife, providing food and habitat for a range of species. Its small white flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths. It is also a food source for many bird species, and its leaves and stems are eaten by rabbits, deer, and other herbivores.

Garden Uses

Common Chickweed can be used in a number of ways in the garden. It is a great groundcover plant and is perfect for filling in gaps between other plants. It can also be used as a filler in mixed borders and can be grown in pots and containers. Its delicate foliage and white flowers make it a great plant for creating a natural and relaxed garden style.

In addition to its ornamental and wildlife benefits, Common Chickweed is also a valuable plant for the medicinal herb garden. Its leaves and stems can be harvested and used fresh or dried, and it is a great plant to have on hand for emergencies.

Common Chickweed is a versatile and valuable plant that is easy to grow and provides a range of benefits for gardeners, wildlife, and people. Whether you are growing it for its medicinal properties, its culinary uses, or its ornamental value, Common Chickweed is a plant that should be in every garden.

Harvesting and Preservation

Common Chickweed can be harvested throughout the growing season, with the best time to harvest being in the spring and early summer when the plant is young and tender. To harvest, simply snip the leaves and stems with a pair of scissors or pruning shears. It is best to harvest the plant in the morning after the dew has dried, but before the sun has become too hot.

Once harvested, Common Chickweed can be used fresh or dried for later use. To dry, simply hang the leaves and stems in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. When dry, the leaves and stems can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Using Common Chickweed in Herbal Remedies

Common Chickweed is a versatile and valuable plant for making herbal remedies. Its leaves and stems can be used fresh or dried to make teas, tinctures, and salves.

For making tea, simply steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Common Chickweed in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. This tea can be drunk as is, or sweetened with honey or stevia if desired.

Tinctures can be made by combining fresh or dried Common Chickweed with high-proof alcohol, such as vodka or brandy. Simply fill a jar with the plant material and cover with alcohol, then let it steep for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dark place. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and store the tincture in a dark bottle.

Salves can be made by infusing Common Chickweed in oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil. Simply heat the oil and plant material in a saucepan until the oil has taken on the color of the plant material. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and let it cool, then store in a dark glass jar.

Common Chickweed is a versatile and valuable plant with a wide range of uses, from ornamental and wildlife benefits, to culinary and medicinal uses. Whether you are harvesting it for fresh use or drying it for later use, Common Chickweed is a plant that should be in every garden.

Culinary Uses of Common Chickweed

Common Chickweed is not only a valuable plant for medicinal and ornamental purposes, but it also has culinary uses. Its tender leaves and stems have a mild, fresh flavor that can be added to salads, soups, and stews.

To use Common Chickweed in salads, simply wash the leaves and stems and chop them into small pieces. They can be mixed with other greens or used on their own to add a mild, fresh flavor to the salad.

Common Chickweed can also be used as a garnish or as a flavorful addition to soups and stews. Simply chop the leaves and stems and sprinkle them over the top of the dish just before serving.

In addition to its culinary uses, Common Chickweed is also a valuable plant for foraging. It grows in a wide range of habitats, from meadows and fields to roadsides and waste places, and can be easily harvested from the wild.

Common Chickweed is a versatile and valuable plant with a wide range of uses, from ornamental and wildlife benefits, to culinary and medicinal uses. Its tender leaves and stems have a mild, fresh flavor that can be used in a variety of dishes, and it is also a valuable plant for foraging.

Nutritional Benefits of Common Chickweed

Common Chickweed is not only a valuable plant for its ornamental, medicinal, and culinary uses, but it is also a nutritious plant that provides a range of health benefits. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and D, as well as calcium, potassium, and iron.

In addition to its nutritional benefits, Common Chickweed is also known for its medicinal properties. It has been used for centuries to treat a range of health conditions, including skin problems, respiratory issues, and digestive problems. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it an effective natural remedy for a range of health conditions.

Common Chickweed is also a low-calorie food, making it a great choice for those who are watching their weight. Its fresh, green flavor makes it a great addition to salads and other dishes, and it is a great way to add some extra nutrition to your diet.

Conclusion

Common Chickweed is a versatile and valuable plant with a wide range of uses, from ornamental and wildlife benefits, to culinary, medicinal, and nutritional benefits. Its tender leaves and stems are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and it has been used for centuries to treat a range of health conditions. So why not give it a try and discover the many benefits it has to offer!

Videos

Video 1: Common Chickweed filmed at Dallam Park, Milnthorpe, Cumbria on the 13th August 2022. Also featuring Fallow Deer (Dama dama).

Video 2: Common Chickweed filmed in the following locations:

Adlington, Lancashire: 6th to 8th April 2023
Burscough, Lancashire: 6th to 8th April 2023

Please remember to Like and Subscribe to the WildFlowerWeb YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@wildflower-web

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map