SafePlants

Anagallis minima (Chaffweed)

Anagallis minima, commonly known as chaffweed, is a small annual herb belonging to the Primulaceae (primrose) family.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is described as having short, dry chafflike leaves.
• The plant is also called creeping chaffweed.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is described as having short, dry chafflike leaves.
• The plant is also called creeping chaffweed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Anagallis minima (L.) E.H. Krause
• Family: Primulaceae (formerly also classified in Myrsinaceae)
• Synonyms: Centunculus minimus

Distribution and Habitat

• Chaffweed has a cosmopolitan distribution, found on nearly every continent, including North America from Mexico to Canada.
• It is considered introduced in New England.
• In Montana, it is considered rare to uncommon in scattered locations.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a small, often moss-like annual, typically only 2.5 to 4.0 cm tall (approximately 1-4 inches).
• It's described as a low, glabrous (smooth) weedy, branching herb.
• It has short, dry chafflike leaves.
• The plant produces tiny flowers, about 1/16 inch, in the leaf axils with 4 or 5 pinkish to greenish-white petals.

Ecological Role

• It's often described as a weedy species.

Quirky Facts

• Chaffweed is considered one of Europe's smallest flowering plants.

Historical Uses

• Traditionally, it has been used to stop hemorrhages in nasal, dental, or external injuries, as well as after birthing, abortion, or in cases of renal or intestinal tuberculosis.

Further Resources

• APHOTOFLORA - Photographic Stock Library
• Discover Life
• Wyoming Natural Diversity Database