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big chickweed
Scientific Name: Cerastium fontanum ssp. vulgare
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Biennial, Perennial
Other Names:
Big Chickweed: A Detailed Look
This page provides information about Big Chickweed, a plant with the scientific name Cerastium fontanum ssp. vulgare (Hartman) Greuter.
Considerations for Pets
- While no specific hazards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text, chickweed contains saponins (soapy substances).
Considerations for Children
- While no specific hazards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text, chickweed contains saponins (soapy substances).
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Cerastium fontanum ssp. vulgare (Hartman) Greuter
- Common Names: Big Chickweed, Common Mouse-ear Chickweed, Mouse-ear Chickweed, Common Mouse Ear, Mouse-eared Chickweed, Large Mouseear.
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Synonyms: Cerastium vulgatum
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Europe.
- Now grows in abundance across nearly all of North America.
- Common in gardens and lawns.
Morphology and Growth Habit
- Cool-season annual plant.
- Germinates in autumn or late winter.
- Forms large mats of foliage.
- Forbs/Herbs
- Has loose branching clusters of ½-inch white flowers with 5 petals.
- Low-growing annual, with smooth paired leaves.
- Leaves are generally as big.
Ecological Role
- Considered a weed in gardens and lawns, often spreading over turfgrass in large, dense patches.
Quirky Facts
- Chickweed has been used in herbal weight-loss formulas.
- Chickweed contains saponins which are soapy substances.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Common mouse-ear chickweed and sticky chickweed share similar biological and ecological attributes.
- Chickweed is food for some animals.
Further Information
- USDA PLANTS Database
- Ohio State Weed Lab
- Dave's Garden
- WSSA WeedList