Common chickweed
Stellaria media
Chickweed is found in many areas of the UK and can be an issue due to germination throughout the growing season and the formation of a dense mat of weeds which spreads over the ground.
It is an annual weed, short but outward spreading and can be dense.
| Resistance risk | ALS TSR |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Oval and end in a small point. Chickweed produced small five-petalled white flowers. |
| Number of seeds produced per plant | 2500 (8 seeds/flower) |
| Seed shed | May to October |
| Germination period | Throughout the year |
| Germination depth | 3 - 4 cm |
| Primary dormancy | Some |
| Secondary dormancy | Some |
| Seed longevity | 2 - 5 years, but some >5 years |
| Factor promoting germination | Predominantly light, but some dark |
| Rate of seed decline with cultivations | 48% per year |
| Soil type and geographic location | Very widespread across the UK. Favours fertile nitrogen-rich soils. It likes moisture, but not waterlogged soil. usually grows under and altitude of 200m, but can grow in altitudes up to 400m. |
