Stellaria media
common chickweed
A semi-evergreen, annual wildflower which can be seen commonly in garden beds and borders, growing all year round in mild weather. It has fine, sprawling stems, small, bright green leaves and tiny, star-shaped, white flowers from spring to autumn
Other common names
chickenweedchickweed
see morewhite bird's eye
winter weed
satin flower
tongue grass
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | White | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Stellaria can be annuals or herbaceous perennials, with slender stems bearing simple, opposite leaves and terminal cymes of white flowers with 5 deeply notched petals
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows naturally in open ground and can spread rapidly by seed in cultivated areas. Where it can be tolerated it adds to garden biodiversity, supports wildlife, and even provides fresh-tasting edible leaves. See chickweed for more information
Propagation
Produces vast quantities of seed which can remain viable for up to 25 years within the soil, germinating easily when brought to the surface.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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