SafePlants

Common Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Common chickweed (Stellaria media) is a cool-season annual plant native to Europe but now naturalized in many parts of the world, including Texas and other US states. It's often found in gardens and lawns.

Considerations for Pets

• Chickweed is described as a delicate and slightly succulent herb.
• It has sprawling runners and forms matted clumps.

Considerations for Children

• Chickweed is described as a delicate and slightly succulent herb.
• It has sprawling runners and forms matted clumps.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Stellaria media
• Common Names: Chickweed, Starwort, Satin Flower
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Caryophyllaceae (Carnation family - for Cerastium texanum)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Europe, naturalized in many parts of the world.
• Common in Texas and the South East Texas area.
• Often grows against the base of houses.
• Also found in South Texas and Northern Mexico.

Ecological Role

• Considered an invasive plant in some areas, including Texas.
• Competes with other plants like Horseherb.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Annual or short-lived perennial in temperate regions.
• Low-growing, mat-forming herb.
• Stems are decumbent, up to 19.7 inches (50 cm) long, with a longitudinal line.
• Tiny, delicate, and slightly succulent.
• Hugs the ground in small clumps, sending out sprawling runners.

Quirky Facts

• Little chicks have been observed jumping to get a bite of chickweed.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Eaten by chicks.
• Can be used in compost.

Related Species

• Cerastium texanum (Texas Chickweed, Chihuahuan mouse-ear chickweed)
• Cerastium pumilum (dwarf mouse-ear chickweed)
• Cerastium vulgatum (Mouseear Chickweed)
• Stellaria pubera (Star Chickweed)