Stellaria media

Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Stellaria media, Linn. Chickweed. Fig. 3686. A low, decumbent annual weed common in all rich, moist, cult. soils, especially troublesome during the cooler months of the growing season and in frames, and the like, during winter. Lvs. 2 lines to 1 1/2 in. long, the lower petioled, the upper sessile: fls. axillary or in terminal leafy cymes; sepals longer than the petals. Eu., Asia; naturalized. B.B. 2:21.—It is considered to be a good fall and winter cover-plant in orchards and vineyards, but is never cult. It is a surface-rooting plant. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

Stellaria ApetalaUcria ex Roem." Stellaria ApetalaUcria ex Roem."

? Common chickweed {{{status}}} Fossil range: {{{fossil_range}}}
Closeup of the common chickweed.
Plant Info
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Scientific classification
Domain: {{{domain}}} Superkingdom: {{{superregnum}}} Kingdom: Plantae Subkingdom: {{{subregnum}}} Superdivision: {{{superdivisio}}} Superphylum: {{{superphylum}}} Division: Magnoliophyta Phylum: {{{phylum}}} Subdivision: {{{subdivisio}}} Subphylum: {{{subphylum}}} Infraphylum: {{{infraphylum}}} Microphylum: {{{microphylum}}} Nanophylum: {{{nanophylum}}} Superclass: {{{superclassis}}} Class: Magnoliopsida Sublass: {{{subclassis}}} Infraclass: {{{infraclassis}}} Superorder: {{{superordo}}} Order: Caryophyllales Suborder: {{{subordo}}} Infraorder: {{{infraordo}}} Superfamily: {{{superfamilia}}} Family: Caryophyllaceae Subfamily: {{{subfamilia}}} Supertribe: {{{supertribus}}} Tribe: {{{tribus}}} Subtribe: {{{subtribus}}} Genus: Stellaria Subgenus: {{{subgenus}}} Section: {{{sectio}}} Series: {{{series}}} Species: S. media Subspecies: {{{subspecies}}}
[[{{{diversity_link}}}|Diversity]]
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Binomial name
Stellaria media (L.) Vill.
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Synonyms
Alsine media L. Stellaria Apetala Ucria ex Roem.

The common chickweed (Stellaria media) is a cool-season annual plant native to Europe, which is often eaten by chickens. It is commonly also called Chickenwort, Craches, Maruns, Winterweed. The plant germinates in fall or late winter, then forms large mats of foliage. Flowers are small and white, followed quickly by the seed pods. This plant flowers and sets seed at the same time.

In both Europe and North America this plant is an invasive weed of gardens , fields, and disturbed grounds. Control is difficult due to the heavy seed sets, although herbicides are effective when the plants are small. Common Chickweed is very competitive with small grains, and can produce up to 80% yield losses among barley.

Folklore

The plant has uses in folk medicine. 17th century herbalist John Gerard recommended it as a remedy for mange. Modern herbalists prescribe it for skin diseases, bronchitis, rheumatic pains, arthritis and period pain. a poultice of chickweed can be applied to cuts, burns and bruises. Not all of these uses are supported by scientific evidence.

References

Chickweed water is an old wives' remedy for obesity.

External links

Stellaria media at Plants for a Future