Weed Common chickweed
Scientific Name Stellaria media
Family Pink family (Caryophyllaceae)
Life Cycle Winter annual
Reproduction Method Reproduces by seeds and creeping stems
Appearance Common chickweed is low-growing and can form large, dense patches. The pubescent, creeping stems root at nodes and produce shallow, fibrous roots
Leaves Leaves of common chickweed are bright green, opposite, simple, broadly oval, and usually less than 1 inch long. The margins are entire.
Flowers The small, white flowers of common chickweed 1/2 inch in diameter, and star shaped with five deeply notched petals. Flowering occurs during the spring
Occurrence Common chickweed occurs in cool, moist, shady, often compacted, fertile sites in spring and autumn.
Non Chemical Control To control common chickweed without chemicals, maintain turf density and health using proper culture, allow turf to dry between waterings, or mechanically remove.
Chemical Control
Application Period Apply postemergence herbicides in mid spring to early summer and/or mid to late autumn during active growth; apply preemergence herbicides before germination in late summer or early autumn.
Active Ingredient in Labeled Products

Preemergent

Postemergent

  • benefin
  • dithiopyr
  • ethofumesate**
  • isoxaben
  • pendimethalin
  • prodiamine
  • trifluralin
**pluse early postemergence
  • 2,4-D
  • 2,4-DP
  • bentazon
  • chlorsulfuron*
  • clopyralid
  • dicamba
  • isoxaben
  • MCPA
  • MCPP
  • triclopyr
  • trifluralin
*not on tall fescue or ryegrass turf
Notes This weed may persist through summer in sites protected from heat and drought.

(Click on Image to Enlarge and Sharpen Photograph)

Common chickweed cotyledon

Common chickweed mature plant

Common chickweed seed pod

Common chickweed mature 2

Common chickweed stem

Common chickweed in bloom

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