Stellaria media
common chickweed
A semi-evergreen annual which can be seen commonly in garden beds and borders, producing vast quantities of seed and growing all year round in mild weather. It has fine, sprawling stems, small, bright green leaves and tiny star-shaped white flowers from spring to autumn
Other common names
chickenweedchickweed
see morewhite bird's eye
winter weed
satin flower
tongue grass
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | White | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Stellaria can be annuals or herbaceous perennials, with slender stems bearing simple, opposite leaves and terminal cymes of white flowers with 5 deeply notched petals
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows naturally in cultivated ground and open areas and is a frequent garden weed in garden beds and borders, with the potential to become a nuisance. See chickweed for further information and advice on how to control
Propagation
Produces vast quantities of seed per individual plant and these are distributed easily via top soil, animal droppings, and human feet. The seed will remain viable for up to 25 years within the soil, germinating easily when brought to the surface so has the potential to become a nuisance if not kept in check
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.