Description
Common chickweed (Stellaria media) is a low-spreading winter annual or perennial weed with a weak, shallow root system. The prostrate stems often root at the nodes. Its spreading growth covers adjacent turf and seriously impedes turf growth. Chickweed often forms extensive, dense patches. Stems have vertical lines of hairs. Small white flowers are borne in clusters at the end of the stems. Flowers have five deeply notched petals and, though small, are quite noticeable. Common chickweed is similar in growth habit (spreading) and appearance to mouseear chickweed, but mouseear chickweed leaves are covered with soft hairs, and are dark green or gray-green, whereas common chickweed leaves are less hairy and are light green.
Cultural Control
Chickweed will survive under close mowing, forming dense patches which crowd out the desirable turfgrass. This weed quickly invades thin turf areas especially where there is good soil moisture. Shade and frequent watering encourage chickweed growth.
Species Data
- GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
- winter annual or perennial weed
- GROWTH HABIT
- LEAFLET NUMBER
- LEAF MARGIN
- smooth
- LEAF HAIRS
- upper / lower surface
- LEAF / LEAFLET SHAPE
- ovate with pointed tip, broadly elliptical, egg-shaped
- LEAF WIDTH
- <1⁄2 - 1 inch
- LEAF VENATION
- pinnate
- LEAF ARRANGEMENT
- opposite
- ROOT TYPE
- fibrous
- FLOWER COLOR
Figure 1. Common chickweed growth habit.
Figure 2. Common chickweed growth habit.
Figure 3. Common chickweed growth habit.
Figure 4. Common chickweed growth habit.
Figure 5. Common chickweed growth habit.
Figure 6. Common chickweed growth habit.
Figure 7. Common chickweed growth habit.
Figure 8. Common chickweed growth habit.
Figure 9. Common chickweed growth habit.
Figure 10. Common chickweed leaflet number.
Figure 11. Common chickweed leaflet number.
Figure 12. Common chickweed flower color.
Figure 13. Common chickweed flower color.
Figure 14. Common chickweed flower color.
Figure 15. Common chickweed flower color.
Figure 16. Common chickweed flower color.
Publication date: Nov. 20, 2017
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