annual

Common Chickweed

The Story

Plant Bio

Stellaria media is a low-growing winter annual that forms dense, spreading mats of bright green foliage via weak, prostrate stems. The stems feature a single, distinct line of hairs running down one side, bearing opposite, ovate leaves and small, star-shaped white flowers with deeply lobed petals.

This species is distinguished by its rapid lifecycle, completing growth and setting seed quickly as spring temperatures rise. Its high frost tolerance allows it to overwinter as a green ground cover under snow before resuming growth in early spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a temporary, bright green carpet in moist, shaded spots during the cool seasons.

Serves as an edible wild green rich in nutrients when harvested before flowering.

Flowers support small native bees and flies, while the abundant seeds feed ground-nesting birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

16"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Eurasia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Identify seedlings in cool, moist, shaded garden beds during early spring or fall.
Maintain moderately moist, rich, loamy soil, avoiding waterlogged conditions.
Hand-pull or hoe the shallow-rooted mats entirely before the small white flowers mature into seed pods.
Dispose of the removed plants immediately rather than composting them if seeds have already formed.

Pro Tip

Hand-pull or hoe plants entirely before they set seed; pulling after seed maturity guarantees a heavier infestation the following year due to the high longevity of the seeds in the soil bank.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do inspect nursery containers for accidental seedlings before introducing new plants to the garden.
Do clear infestations early in the spring when the weak stems are easy to pull.

Don't

Don't allow the plants to mature and drop seeds, which remain viable in the soil for years.
Don't plant in hot, dry, unshaded areas where the shallow roots will quickly wither and die.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Wild gardenEdible Garden

Companion Plants

Asarum canadense Phlox divaricata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Chickweed questions

What zones can Common Chickweed grow in?

Common 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.

Is Common Chickweed deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Common Chickweed, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Common Chickweed bloom?

Common Chickweed typically blooms in early spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Common Chickweed need full sun?

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