Common Chickweed
Stellaria media

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It lies along the ground. It has lax slender stems. There is a single line of white hairs which run up the stems until they reach a joint. The stems are round in cross section. The leaves occur opposite. The lower leaves have stalks. The upper leaves do not have stalks. Leaves are oval and taper to a short point. The leaves are 1-3 cm long and 5-10 mm wide. Leaves are pale underneath. The flowers are purple in a flat topped arrangement with central flowers opening first. The fruit is an oval capsule. The seeds are red-brown.

There are about 130 Stellaria species. They are mostly in temperate regions. It is high in Vitamin E. Because it contains saponins it should not be eaten in large quantities.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate places. In Nepal it grows between 1800-2700 m altitude. It grows in rich, moist soils and woody areas. It grows in wetlands. It is cold tolerant. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 3,000 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zone 4. Tasmania Herbarium. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Alaska, Argentina, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia, Botswana, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Caucasus, Central America, Central Asia, Chile, China, Crete, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Eswatini, Europe, Falklands, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Latvia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macquarie Island, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Norway, Pacific, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Sicily, Sikkim, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Sri Lanka, St Helena, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tasmania, Tibet, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA, West Indies, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The tender shoots and leaves are cooked as a vegetable. They are chopped, boiled and then fried. They are used in soup. They can also be used in salads. They are also squeezed into juice. The small seeds are used for bread or to thicken soups. Flowering tops are used as a vegetable or garnish. CAUTION: In large amounts it can cause paralysis. This is due to toxic nitrates.

Shoots are sold in markets in India. It is also foraged and supplied to restaurants in Sweden. It is sold in local markets in Armenia.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, vegetable, flowers

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. It can be grown from root transplant.

Young seedlings can be cut with scissors then left to regrow.

Its other names

Local names

Alsine, Arapsaci, Armale jhar, Badsha saba, Bin batorhi, Bodzodzua, Bots'va, Buchbucha, Burumcek, Byeolkkot, Caa piqui, Capiqui, Centocchiu, Centogghje, Chang-kal-rit, Charchara, Cheeri pta, Chitti booti, Dzialua, Eerchang, Fan lu, Galambbegy, Gaqazila, Giysak, Kangni booti, Kazayagi, Khojua, Khokhua, Kidendelezi, Koku, Korpafu, Koukoon, Kulumcak, Kusemegi, Kusotu, Laadroon, Lapchatka, Makritsa,Makryca, Maralia, Marmuri shak, Mokritsa, Morolia, Murmoori, Nabiki, Nick hakh, Ojo de gringo, Olalai, Osi neri, Pajarera, Pamplina, Pani, Phoolan cheeri, Pticija trava, Safed pulchee, Satinflower, Scarwort, Siadi, Stalli, Starwort, Stergeo, Stitchwort, Tchrtchuk, Thatheni, Tyukhur, Urgancik, Vassarve, Vilaghori, Virza, Vogelmuur, Warghastalay, Yerum-keirum, Zhuruk'i

Synonyms

Alsine media L.; Stellaria hiemalis (Beg.) Raunk.; Stellaria vulgaris Raunk.;