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Chickweeds (Stellaria)
Also known as : Stitchwort
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).
Lifespan
Annual
Key Facts About Chickweeds
Feedback
Attributes of Chickweeds
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Chickweeds
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies
Family
Pink
Genus
Chickweeds
How to Grow and Care for Chickweeds
Feedback
Chickweeds, commonly referred to as 'Starweed', is a global genus that is predominantly hardy, adaptable, and low-maintenance. Its Basic Care Needs entail full sunlight to partial shade, moderate watering, and well-drained loamy or sandy soil. The suitable temperature range is between 50-75°F. Common Challenges residents may face include fungal diseases, snails, slugs, and aphids. Its environmental sensitivities encompass waterlogging and harsh sunlight. Seasonally, chickweeds requires less watering during dormant winters and vigilant pest control during warm months. Overall, it's a fairly tolerant genus with modest requirements.
Exploring the Chickweeds Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All Species of Chickweeds
Common chickweed
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.
Greater stitchwort
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.
Grass-like starwort
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.
Wood stitchwort
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.
Star Chickweed
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.
Longstalk starwort
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
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.
Greater chickweed
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.
New zealand chickweed
New zealand chickweed
New zealand chickweed is a delicate herbaceous plant with small, star-shaped white flowers. Its slender stems and minimalistic leaves give it a fragile appearance. Thriving in moist, shaded environments, new zealand chickweed's subtle blooms often go unnoticed, yet they provide a vital role in understory biodiversity. This dainty flora is a testament to nature's nuanced beauty.
Longleaf starwort
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.
Marsh stitchwort
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.
Spreading sandwort
Spreading sandwort
Spreading sandwort is characterized by its soft, hairy foliage which is an adaptation for retaining moisture. Its small, star-shaped white flowers bloom in meadows, providing a delicate contrast against the greenery. The slender stems and lanceolate leaves of spreading sandwort embody its unassuming yet resilient nature, thriving in temperate zones.
Stellaria dichotoma
Stellaria dichotoma
Stellaria dichotoma is a delicate, flowering herbaceous plant characterized by its forked, or dichotomous, stem growth. The small white flowers exhibit a starry shape, typical of the Stellaria genus, attracting various pollinators. Typically found in temperate regions, stellaria dichotoma thrives in moist, shaded environments, its slender stems and simple leaves often forming a low, sprawling mat on the forest floor.
Stellaria radians
Stellaria radians
Stellaria radians is known for its twinkling white blossoms that mirror the starry night sky. This low-growing herbaceous plant thrives in moist and shaded environments, indicative of its need for gentle sunlight and consistent hydration. The delicate, thin stems support the weight of the narrow, lanceolate leaves, making it an elegantly structured plant that effortlessly blends into the underbrush of woodland habitats.
Stellaria arisanensis
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.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Chickweeds
Stellaria
Also known as: Stitchwort
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).
Lifespan
Annual
Key Facts About Chickweeds
Feedback
Attributes of Chickweeds
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Chickweeds
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Pink Genus
Chickweeds How to Grow and Care for Chickweeds
Feedback
Chickweeds, commonly referred to as 'Starweed', is a global genus that is predominantly hardy, adaptable, and low-maintenance. Its Basic Care Needs entail full sunlight to partial shade, moderate watering, and well-drained loamy or sandy soil. The suitable temperature range is between 50-75°F. Common Challenges residents may face include fungal diseases, snails, slugs, and aphids. Its environmental sensitivities encompass waterlogging and harsh sunlight. Seasonally, chickweeds requires less watering during dormant winters and vigilant pest control during warm months. Overall, it's a fairly tolerant genus with modest requirements.
Exploring the Chickweeds Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
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.
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.
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.
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.
Show More Species
All Species of Chickweeds
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
