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Annual Biennial

Stellaria media

common chickweed

A semi-evergreen annual which can be seen commonly in garden beds and borders, producing vast quantities of seed and 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
chickenweed
chickweed
see morewhite bird's eye
winter weed
satin flower
tongue grass

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
Botanical 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 cultivated ground and open areas and is a frequent garden weed in garden beds and borders, with the potential to become a nuisance. See chickweed for further information and advice on how to control

Propagation

Produces vast quantities of seed per individual plant and these are distributed easily via top soil, animal droppings, and human feet. The seed will remain viable for up to 25 years within the soil, germinating easily when brought to the surface so has the potential to become a nuisance if not kept in check

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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