Chickweed
stellaria media
Also known as: ["Common Chickweed","Starwort","Winterweed"]
Overview
A low-growing annual plant with small, star-shaped white flowers and oval leaves, often found in lawns and gardens.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Stellaria |
| Botanical Name: | Stellaria media |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden beds, containers, or as a ground cover
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loose soil with organic matter. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few weeks during active growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning to shape the plant and remove spent flowers or yellowing leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of direct sunlight or bright indirect light). Tolerates full sun in cooler climates but prefers afternoon shade in hot regions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; in hot climates, provide shade during peak afternoon hours; indoors, place near a bright window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plants for even growth; avoid intense midday sun in summer; adjust light exposure based on season.
Watering
every 5–7 days, or when soil surface feels dry
Maintain consistent soil moisture; avoid letting the soil dry out completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Soil
moderately fertile, well-draining soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Thrives in cooler conditions and may struggle in prolonged heat above 80°F (27°C).
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain moderate humidity in hot weather.
Fertilizing
rarely needed, every 2–3 months if grown in poor soil
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing in cooler months; use a balanced NPK ratio for even growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings root easily in soil or water.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in soil or water.
- Keep moist and warm until roots develop.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light. Maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix or clean water. A mix of peat and perlite works well.
Hormone
Not necessary, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 1–2 weeks in water or soil; plants can be established in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors or knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or containers, well-draining soil or water.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; change water regularly if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or snip off dead parts with clean scissors or pruners.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed. Focus on removing dead or damaged stems to encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Sharp, clean scissors or small pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; remove dead or diseased parts; avoid over-pruning; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot (e.g., from a 4-inch to a 6-inch pot).
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container. Stellaria media is fast-growing and may need repotting every 1–2 years.
Checklist
Choose a pot with drainage holes; use fresh, well-draining soil; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water when top inch feels dry; ensure good drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water gently at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the soil. Apply until the soil is damp but not waterlogged, allowing excess to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water lightly and frequently, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Adjust frequency based on weather and soil drying rate; typically every 2–3 days in warm conditions, less often in cool or damp weather.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat; browning or necrosis in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth or cause leaf damage, especially if combined with wet soil.
Solution: Protect from frost; ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced vigor, especially if combined with dry soil.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation to reduce heat buildup.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicStellaria media is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a significant risk to feline health when ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicStellaria media is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is not known to cause significant adverse effects when ingested by canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicStellaria media, commonly known as chickweed, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, consuming large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its high fiber content and potential irritant properties.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is chickweed edible?
A: Yes, chickweed is edible and often used in salads or as a cooked green.
Q: Does chickweed attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and other pollinators due to its small white flowers.
Q: Is chickweed a weed?
A: Yes, it is commonly considered a weed due to its rapid growth and tendency to spread in lawns and gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 5–7 days, or when soil |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
