Chickweeds
Botanical name: Stellaria
Chickweeds
Botanical name: Stellaria
Description
The chickweeds (genus Stellaria) are a group of flowering plants in the carnation family. In Japan, this plant is strongly associated with springtime. Some chickweeds are planted ornamentally, while still other species are grown and harvested for their seeds, which may be eaten by wild or domesticated birds (some species within the genus are also called "chickenweeds" for this reason).
Species of Chickweeds
New zealand chickweed
The new zealand chickweed (genus Stellaria parviflora) are a group of flowering plants in the carnation family. In Japan, this plant is strongly associated with springtime. Some new zealand chickweed are planted ornamentally, while still other species are grown and harvested for their seeds, which may be eaten by wild or domesticated birds (some species within the genus are also called "chickenweeds" for this reason).
Spreading sandwort
The spreading sandwort (genus Stellaria vestita) are a group of flowering plants in the carnation family. In Japan, this plant is strongly associated with springtime. Some spreading sandwort are planted ornamentally, while still other species are grown and harvested for their seeds, which may be eaten by wild or domesticated birds (some species within the genus are also called "chickenweeds" for this reason).
Longstalk starwort
Longstalk starwort (*Stellaria longipes*) is an attractive wildflower you can find in all kinds of cool and cold weather habitats in northern latitudes. The plant's five-petaled flowers are most distinctive, so each petal is split into two, making the flower look like a 10-pointed star. Surprisingly, despite the name longstalk starwort, Stellaria longipes's flower stalks are not always long, although its subspecies, longipes, is much more compact.
Bog chickweed
The bog chickweed is a flowering weed that grows in areas throughout the world, especially where cattle graze and in rice fields. It was first identified and scientifically described in the year 1767. Bog chickweed seeds often hitch rides with animals or human cargo, so it has spread far and wide.
Grass-like starwort
Grass-like starwort (Stellaria graminea) comes from Eurasia, but its weedy tendencies have allowed it to spread throughout the world. In the U.S.'s midwest and northeast, it is commonly found on lawns and disturbed areas. Like other members of Stellaria (a word derived from the Latin for "star"), grass-like starwort's flowers have small, star-shaped petals. Various doves and sparrows munch on this species' seeds, and caterpillars like the foliage.
Common chickweed
The common chickweed gets its name due to the fact that chickens love to eat it, though they're not alone in that respect. Though it's often considered a nuisance weed, most parts of this plant can be consumed raw or cooked and used similar to spinach. The saponins in common chickweed are slightly toxic but will only have an effect if ingested in huge quantities.
Stellaria dichotoma
The stellaria dichotoma (genus Stellaria dichotoma) are a group of flowering plants in the carnation family. In Japan, this plant is strongly associated with springtime. Some stellaria dichotoma are planted ornamentally, while still other species are grown and harvested for their seeds, which may be eaten by wild or domesticated birds (some species within the genus are also called "chickenweeds" for this reason).
Stellaria radians
The stellaria radians (genus Stellaria radians) are a group of flowering plants in the carnation family. In Japan, this plant is strongly associated with springtime. Some stellaria radians are planted ornamentally, while still other species are grown and harvested for their seeds, which may be eaten by wild or domesticated birds (some species within the genus are also called "chickenweeds" for this reason).
Marsh stitchwort
Marsh stitchwort has spread widely and is recorded as having an impact on native species after being introduced to the USA. In contrast, its numbers have declined in the United Kingdom due to loss of habitat. As its name tells you, Marsh stitchwort is a water-loving plant that loves fens, marshes, and most wetlands.
Greater chickweed
Greater chickweed is found growing in woodlands, streams, and other grassy places. Greater chickweed gets its name from its winter flowers, which are larger than those produced by other species in the genus. The flowers are pollinated by flies and other insects.
Stellaria arisanensis
Stellaria arisanensis is a perennial herb native to China. It is notable for its small but pretty single white flowers that are distinctive because they have rounded petals bisected into two segments at the tip. This small and slender herb grows to just 60 centimeters tall.
Star Chickweed
A early blooming wildflower, star Chickweed (Stellaria pubera) is native to the United States. Named for its star-shaped flowers, this plant is an edible weed. It can be eaten raw and cooked.
Longleaf starwort
Longleaf starwort is a delicate flowering plant that produces small daisy-like flowers and weak stems, causing the plant to collapse and frequently become a tangled mess. This perennial is protected in several areas of Europe, where it grows in wet meadows. Its name, Longleaf starwort, comes from its long, narrow leaves.
Greater stitchwort
Greater stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) is a herbaceous perennial that will grow from 20 to 30 cm tall. It blooms from spring to summer with white star-shaped flowers. Seeds make a popping sound as they ripen and are dispersed. It thrives in partial shade and is commonly found growing along forest edges and parks. Attracts bees butterflies and other pollinators to its sweet nectar.
Wood stitchwort
Wood stitchwort is a perennial herb that only grows in damp soil; in fact, the presence of stitchwort is thought to signal a healthy marsh environment with plenty of water. In good habitats, it will expand and grow dense until no other plants can grow among its runners.
Stellaria eschscholtziana
The stellaria eschscholtziana (genus Stellaria eschscholtziana) are a group of flowering plants in the carnation family. In Japan, this plant is strongly associated with springtime. Some stellaria eschscholtziana are planted ornamentally, while still other species are grown and harvested for their seeds, which may be eaten by wild or domesticated birds (some species within the genus are also called "chickenweeds" for this reason).
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Pink Genus
Chickweeds 
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