Common Chickweed

Scientific Name: Steilaria media

Also Known As: Mouseear Chickweed

Weed Family: Caryophyllaceae

Description

Common chickweed is a shallow fibrous rooted winter annual which grows in moist shaded areas. The leaves are small, smooth, pointed at the tip and elliptic in shape. They are opposite on branching creeping stems, which root at the nodes. Chickweed adapts well to different mowing heights. The flowers of common chickweed are white, small star like with 5 notched petals. Common chickweed spreads by seed. Common chickweed is found throughout the United States except in the Rocky Mountains.

Herbicide Use

Chemical control may be needed to eliminate invading common chickweed, especially in turfgrass areas which are thin, or in newly seeded areas. Use a selective post-emergent herbicide taking care to follow spray intervals for newly seeded areas. For optimum control, make herbicide applications to common chickweed that is actively growing and in the seedling to flower stage.

Distribution