Chickweed (Stella Media)

About the Chickweed:

Chickweed is known as a winter weed. It tends to start up towards the end of fall, and then shows its effects at the beginning of spring. This seed grows close to the ground Chickweed affects the development of field crops, and can create virus’ fungus and aphids. Each plant can produce up to 15,000 seeds each year, if any of the seeds come in contact with farm equipment, it can damage the producer’s entire crop.

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Chickweed Scouting and Prevention:

There are several ways to help prevent chickweed from establishing itself in your crops. The first is having a good drainage system, to ensure that the growing conditions do not accommodate the weed. The second is close mowing -- it helps to ensure that the seeds cannot embed themselves in the soil enough to cause damage.

Chickweed Control:

Having good drainage can help avoid the growth of this weed; Chickweed grows best in moist damp soils, and cool weather conditions. It can withstand shady conditions, and still flourish. For this same reason, Chickweed is sensitive to drought and grows best in cool to warm temperatures, no warmer than 20 degrees.

Latin / Alternative Chickweed Names:

• - Stella Media
• - Starwort
• - Stitchwort
• - Adder’s Mouth

Additional Chickweed Resources: