Common names: common chickweed, chickweed starwort, chickweed

Scientific names: Stellaria media (Alsine media)

Seasons of significant use: winter

Characteristics: Introduced, naturalized, annual or weak perennial, cool season forb to 0.5 feet. Stems usually decumbent, some rooting at nodes, to 2.5 feet, often forming mats; leaves opposite, simple, lower and median leaves usually short petioled, upper leaves mostly sessile; flowers axillary or in terminal cymes; fruit is an ovoid capsule. Usually flowers March-October, but can flower year-round.

Plant community type: Open areas and along wooded edges. Most often found in areas of disturbance such as gardens, lawns, flowerbeds, windrow, etc., and in areas with abundant soil moisture. Shade tolerant.

Comments: Often overwinters in moist, protected places.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family