How to Identify Chickweed
Common chickweed (Stellaria media) grows as a low, sprawling mat of thin stems with small oval leaves arranged in opposite pairs. The stems have a single line of fine hairs running along one side (switch sides at each leaf node), which is the most reliable field identification marker. Tiny white flowers with five deeply notched petals (looking like ten petals at first glance) appear from early spring through fall.
Mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum) is a related species with slightly larger, hairy leaves and a more upright growth habit. Both species are treated the same way.
Life Cycle and Conditions
Common chickweed is typically a winter annual in most regions, germinating in fall, overwintering, and dying in late spring. However, in cool, moist conditions it can behave as a short-lived perennial and persist through summer in shaded areas. It thrives in moist, shaded lawns with thin turf, rich soil, and cool temperatures.
