Species Field Chickweed
white flowers with yellow center, green leaves and stems

Field Chickweed

Cerastium arvense subsp. arvense

Field Chickweed is an erect, low-growing, mat-forming annual plant with smooth, succulent stems and thread-like dark green leaves. It can reach heights up to 25 cm. It produces small, five-petalled white flowers in early spring that become double-petalled in the summer. Its fruits are round and green and contain small, black, shiny seeds. This species spreads quickly and can take over disturbed areas. It is drought and shade tolerant and can be found in meadows, pastures, lawns and waste places. Field Chickweed is an aggressive weed with no culinary or medicinal uses. It can be controlled by manual or chemical control methods.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Layering Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Easy

watering

Field Chickweed should be watered moderately, about once a week. If the soil is dry to the touch, it's probably time to water the plant. Be careful not to overwater Field Chickweed, as the roots can become waterlogged and the plant can begin to rot. If the plant's leaves start to yellow, that's a sign that it's not getting enough water. Increase watering slightly and check the soil to see if it needs more moisture.

sunlight

Field chickweed thrives in full sunlight and is particularly tolerant of high temperatures. It should be exposed to at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day in order to thrive and bloom. This species prefers morning sunlight and should be sheltered from strong afternoon sun, especially during the hottest months of the year. Although it can tolerate short periods of shade, it should not be planted in full shade.

pruning

Field chickweed (Cerastium arvense subsp. arvense) typically requires minimal maintenance once it is established. When pruning is needed, it should be done when the ground is still frozen or after the chickweed is done flowering which is generally in late spring. Pruning should be minimal, just removing dead or damaged growth. This may consist of light shearing of the entire plant to maintain a nice shape and to encourage air circulation.