annual

Sticky Chickweed

The Story

Plant Bio

Cerastium glomeratum is a low-growing winter annual that forms loose or dense spreading mats in open, disturbed soils. The pale to medium green foliage features opposite, simple leaves covered in dense, sticky glandular hairs.

This species is distinguished by its highly congested, compact flower clusters and sepals with hairs that project past the petal tips. The tiny white flowers feature five notched petals that bloom from late winter through early summer.

Uses & Benefits:

None; the plant is considered an agricultural and turf weed with negligible ornamental value.

Acts as a temporary winter groundcover that stabilizes bare, disturbed soils before dying back in summer.

Provides early-season nectar and pollen for generalist pollinators, including small native bees and flies.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

18"

Width

12"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Eurasia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (hairs may cause mild skin irritation)

Bloom period

Late winter – Early summer

In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Identify the sticky, hairy rosettes in late winter or early spring before flowering begins.
Sever the shallow taproot just below the soil surface using a sharp hoe or hand tool.
Bag and discard the uprooted plants immediately if flowers or seed capsules are present.
Maintain a thick layer of organic mulch or dense turf cover to suppress future seed germination.

Pro Tip

Hand-pull or hoe plants in early spring before the green seed capsules mature to prevent the prolific seed bank from establishing in turf or garden beds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Identify the plant by its sticky, glandular hairs and congested flower clusters to avoid confusing it with common chickweed.
Remove plants manually before the seed capsules mature and rupture.

Don't

Do not compost mature plants with developed seed heads, as the seeds survive standard home composting temperatures.
Do not allow bare, disturbed soil to remain uncovered in areas where this plant has seeded.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Propagate
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Wild gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sticky Chickweed questions

What zones can Sticky Chickweed grow in?

Sticky Chickweed is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Sticky Chickweed bloom?

Sticky Chickweed typically blooms in late winter through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sticky Chickweed need full sun?

Sticky Chickweed does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.