When people say, “Chickweed”, they’re usually referring to Common Chickweed, a winter annual, flowering weed that spreads mostly through seeds and enjoys cooler climates. This prolific, leafy ground cover grows tiny, white, star-shaped flowers that disappear into seeds as the summer progresses.

Chickweed weeds are known to grow at elevations as high as 4,300 feet and produce seeds that can remain dormant for up to 58 years under the ground. Native to Europe, and technically a member of the carnation family, Chickweed is on the list of the United States’ top ten dreaded weeds. It’s highly invasive and frequently found throughout the country.

Is Chickweed Edible?

Some enjoy eating a Chickweed herb from time to time. Though technically edible, Chickweed is hardly worth the headache that can stem from purposefully planting it in your yard or garden. Prolific spreaders, your beautiful lawn and vegetables can be overcome by Chickweed’s growth and its ability to block light from reaching anything below its height.

It Can Be Dangerous for Your Garden

Importantly, Chickweed is known to harbor viruses that can destroy your tomatoes, cucumbers, and other agricultural vegetable species. Chickweed also hosts destructive insects like lygus bugs, mites, and thrips. In short, don’t risk introducing it to your property.

Chickweed identification is rather straightforward. Look for a plant that grows low to the ground – just a few inches high. Its small leaves grow opposite one another and are very simple – lacking  any serration, scallops, or lobes. Leaves are egg shaped and come to points with light green veins that reflect each other.

Stems and Roots

The stems of Chickweed weeds grow two lines of fine hair that rotate their placement on the stem at each node. When pulled gently, Chickweed has an inner, elastic-like chord that will separate from the sheath. It does not produce a milky sap like other weeds, so if you see anything white leak from the plant, it’s probably not Chickweed. Chickweed roots are fibrous and can link many common Chickweed weeds together.

Chickweed Flower

Chickweed flowers are dainty and sweet (often referred to as “fairy flowers”) – only ⅛” to ¼” in size, and grow from the ends of the stems. Each flower has five elongated petals that look similar to daisy petals. The difference, however, is that the five petals on stellaria media flowers are deeply lobed and often confused for ten. They’re supported by five, light green sepals and have light green centers.

Chickweed vs Mouse Ear Chickweed

Now that you understand how to identify Stellaria Media (Common Chickweed), you’ll easily be able to identify Mouse Ear Chickweed – another species of weedy carnation to avoid. Mouse Ear Chickweed (Cerastium Fontanum) looks similar to Common Chickweed, but spots hairy leaves and stems.

Common Chickweed will take over your yard, given the opportunity, and is difficult to eradicate without pulling or killing turf as well. To prevent Chickweed from competing with your grass, it’s important you instigate a lawn-care program.

Regular Lawn Maintenance

Deep, infrequent waterings will keep your grass green and allow the thatch layer time to dry out. Raking dry thatch to make room for new grass growth is important. Aeration, overseeding, and slow-release fertilizers will help ensure your lawn forms deep roots and crowds out weeds. Try to remember to mow high (between 3” – 4”), and watch for any signs of new weed growth.

Hand Pulling when Young

You may attempt to hand-pull Chickweed from the roots before it’s flowered. Pull gently! Any roots broken off and left in the soil can regerminate and start your troubles all over again. For larger applications, or if Chickweed flowers have already bloomed, a Chickweed herbicide (combined with mechanical approaches and an overhaul to your lawn care routine) may be required to totally eradicate Chickweed weed. For that, you’ll need excellent lawn care professionals.

Many wonder, “How do I get rid of Chickweed?”. Aggressive weeds of this type might require the help of a Senske Lawn Care Professional. Due to the nature of the Chickweed lifecycle, a multi-step approach will be the best way to kill Chickweed. The best Chickweed killer you have at your disposal is a Senske Lawn Care professional. Our experts understand how to identify common Chickweed weeds, locate problem areas, diagnose Chickweed causes, and apply a proven approach to help you get total Chickweed control. More than that, we’ll teach you the proper steps to take to avoid the problem from ever taking root again. In short, we know how to kill Chickweed and keep it from coming back.