COMMON CHICKWEED
Stellaria media
Plant Characteristics
Height:
6" - 14"
Stem:
Green or burgundy with tiny white hairs
Leaves:
Larger towards tips of stems
Flower:
5 white petals (appears as 10 but in pairs)
Bloom Time:
July to SeptemberThis low lying plant sprawls across the ground and is persistent in lawns. It can start producing seeds within 5 weeks of germination, continuing for weeks thereafter. It can easily take over open areas and choke out other plants.
Hand Pull
Hand pull early and dispose of the debris as it will re-root when pulled.
Spot Spray
Spot spray seedlings as they emerge from soil.
Cultural Plant Alternatives:
Bloodroot
Bloodroot appears as a small white flower with a yellow center, typically on the forest floor. They lack the ability to spread far from their place of origin and will often be in small groups. The fresh root is red and can be used to make deep red dyes.
Harebell
This small, slender herb grows in hard to reach areas and can adapt well to rocky soil. The leaves of the plant can be washed and used in salads while the roots have a radish like quality that can be eaten. The root extracts have been known to cure earaches and treat sore eyes.
