Stellaria spp.
chickweeds
Temperate and boreal regions of both hemispheres
Overview
Stellaria is a genus of roughly 90 to 120 species of annual and perennial herbs in the pink family, Caryophyllaceae, found throughout temperate and cool regions worldwide. Plants are low and weak-stemmed, sprawling or trailing 2–16 in (5–40 cm) across, with brittle, often hairy stems and opposite, simple leaves 0.2–2 in (0.5–5 cm) long. The small white flowers, 0.2–0.7 in (5–18 mm) across, have five petals so deeply cleft that each appears as two, giving the look of ten narrow petals around a green center. The flowers are star-shaped, which gives the genus its scientific name from the Latin for star. The fruit is a small capsule that opens by teeth to shed many tiny seeds. Common chickweed S. media is a cosmopolitan annual weed of gardens, lawns, and croplands, and its young growth is edible. Several species spread quickly by seed and rooting stems, colonizing bare and cultivated ground, and can become persistent weeds. Other species, such as greater stitchwort S. holostea, grow in woodland and hedgerows. The genus occupies meadows, woods, wetlands, and disturbed soils across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Native Range
Stellaria is distributed across temperate and boreal regions of both hemispheres, with many species in Eurasia and North America. North American native species include star chickweed S. pubera and longleaf starwort S. longifolia. Common chickweed S. media has spread worldwide as an introduced weed.Suggested Uses
Common chickweed S. media is gathered as an edible salad and pot herb and is used in some herbal preparations. Native woodland species such as S. pubera are grown as groundcover in shade and wild gardens. The early flowers are visited by small bees and flies.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 1'4"
Width/Spread4" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Many Stellaria species flower from early spring through summer, and common chickweed S. media can flower nearly year-round in mild climates. Individual white flowers open in sun and close in dull weather. Plants bloom over a long season, often March to August, and set seed quickly. Woodland species such as S. holostea flower mainly in spring.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight