Stellaria media aka Chickweed
Taxonomy ID: 3227
Stellaria media, commonly known as chickweed, is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. Originally native to Eurasia, it has now spread and become naturalized across the globe, often found in waste grounds, farmlands, and gardens as a weed. This versatile plant can be grown as a salad crop or fed to poultry. With its fine, sprawling stems, small bright green leaves, and delicate star-shaped white flowers, it displays a semi-evergreen nature, thriving in mild weather conditions throughout the year. Common Chickweed, also known as Stellaria media, is a flowering green plant from the Caryophyllaceae family. It can be classified as an annual or perennial, and is not only edible but also valued for its medicinal properties. While it originated in Europe, it has successfully established itself worldwide, often considered a widespread weed. Recognizable by its small clusters of white star-shaped flowers found at the ends of its stems, Common Chickweed bears bright green, oval-shaped leaves that are slightly fuzzy and pointed. These leaves typically grow in pairs on opposite sides of the stem.
Common names
Chickweed, Common Chickweed, Nodding Chickweed, Adder's Mouth, StarweedMore information about Chickweed
How difficult is it to take care of Chickweed
With its straightforward care requirements, Chickweed is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
What is the region of origin of Chickweed
Chickweed’s native range is A cosmopolitan plant, found in most regions of the world, including Britain.
What are the water needs for Chickweed
Chickweed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Chickweed
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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Chickweed
Chickweed requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Adder's Mouth is always in the right place to thrive.
Is Chickweed toxic to humans/pets?
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
What seasonal care does Chickweed need?
During the wintertime, it is common for Chickweed plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
About Ploi
Ploi is one of the best plant care apps in 2025 and 2026, rated 4.99 stars on both the App Store and Google Play. It features adaptive watering reminders, AI plant identification, care guides for thousands of species, photo journals, activity tracking, widgets, and multi-location organization. Ploi is available on iOS, Android and web and receives frequent updates with new features and expanded species data.
