Common chickweed Stellaria media (L.) Vill.
Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink family)
Life cycle: Annual (winter and summer)
Native status: Introduced
Habitat: Landscapes, no-till fields, small grains
General description: A prostrate plant with frail stems and egg-shaped, pointed, light green leaves. Leaves arranged opposite. Terminal portion of stem may be erect. Flowers with five deeply notched, white petals. Forms dense patches
Key ID traits: Opposite, pointed leaves. ‘Frail’ plant, leaves easily crushed when handled.
Similar species: The growth habit of mouseear chickweed is similar to common chickweed, but its leaves are covered with dense hairs.
Miscellaneous: Plants in the Pink Family have notched flower petals – pinking shears (cut a zig zag pattern) were named after the family because of this. The family name is believed to have come from the pink flowers of carnations, a member of the family.
Meaghan Anderson Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension field specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Educational programming is available for farmers, agribusinesses, pesticide applicators, certified crop advisors, and other individuals interested in...