Mollugo verticillata aka Indian Chickweed

Taxonomy

Genus Mollugo Family Molluginaceae Order Caryophyllales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Mollugo verticillata, also known as green carpetweed or Indian chickweed, is a rapidly spreading summer annual plant native to tropical America. It forms a prostrate circular mat that can quickly climb over nearby plants and obstacles. In eastern North America, it is a common weed growing in disturbed areas such as tilled gardens, newly planted lawns, and along roadsides. The plant has been reported from every state in the United States except Alaska, Hawaii, and Utah, as well as from British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Although considered an invasive weed, M. verticillata is also known to be edible and has been in North America for about 3000 years, as evidenced by archaeological findings. The leaves are not glaucous and grow in whorls of 3-8 with a basal rosette, sometimes disappearing as the plant matures. The flowers grow in sessile, axillary umbels and are sepals that are green on the underside and white on the upper side. The capsules are ovoid-ellipsoid and the seeds are dark or reddish brown, with blackish, parallel, curved ridges on the sides or smooth. Carpetweed can be easily removed by pulling or hoeing. In China, this plant is referred to as zhong leng su mi cao.

Common names

Indian Chickweed, Carpet Weed, Carpetweed, Green Carpet Weed, Green Carpetweed

How to care for Indian Chickweed

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Indian Chickweed due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Indian Chickweed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Indian Chickweed loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Indian Chickweed thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Carpetweed.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Indian Chickweed to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Indian Chickweed’s native range is Eastern and western N. America - southwards from Quebec and British Columbia.

More info:
Wikipedia

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