Chickweed
Stellaria media
PLANT NAME
Chickweed
COMMON NAMES
Common Chickweed, Starweed, Winterweed
BOTANICAL NAME
Stellaria media
IDENTIFICATION
A low-growing, sprawling annual herb with small, oval, opposite leaves. The stems have a single line of fine hairs down one side. It produces tiny, deeply cleft white flowers that appear to have ten petals but actually have five.
IDENTIFICATION IMAGE
AI ART TO BE GENERATED
PARTS TRADITIONALLY USED
Aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers).
CULINARY USES
A nutritious, mild-tasting wild edible green. The tender leaves and stems can be eaten raw in salads, blended into pesto, or lightly cooked like spinach.
TRADITIONAL USES
Traditionally used topically as a soothing poultice or salve for dry, itchy skin, minor cuts, and insect bites. Internally, it has been used to support digestion and as a gentle tonic.
GROWING / HARVESTING
Native to Eurasia but naturalized worldwide as a common garden weed. Prefers cool, moist soil and partial shade. It can often be found growing profusely in early spring and late autumn. Harvest the tender top growth.
SAFETY / CAUTION
Always consult your doctor. Generally very safe as a food and herb. However, contains saponins, which can cause digestive upset if consumed in extremely large quantities.
RELATED PLANTS
Mouse-ear Chickweed (Cerastium fontanum) - often confused, but has hairy leaves.