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Common Chickweed

©Amy Lewis

Common chickweed

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Scientific name: Stellaria media
Look for the small, white, star-shaped flowers of Common chickweed all year-round. Sometimes considered a 'weed', it is still a valuable food source for insects.

Top facts

Stats

Height: up to 30cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

January to December

About

Common chickweed is a common wildflower, found everywhere from coastal cliffs to gardens, farmyards to roadside verges. It particularly likes disturbed ground and is sometimes considered a weed. As its common name suggests, it was used as feed for chickens and cage-birds and is still popular today. Common Chickweed is an annual that produces small white flowers that can be seen all year-round.

What to look for

Common chickweed has small, star-like, white flowers, and oval, fresh green leaves. Its greatly branching stems often lie along the ground.

Where to find

Widespread.

Did you know?

The leaves of Common chickweed are sometimes eaten in salads and stir-fries.