Overview
Stellaria media is a fast growing plant with a root system that can efficiently steal resources away from other crops. It often germinates later in the season, and can avoid control by growing under the canopy. This broadleaf weed is an annual prostrate weed, propagating itself by seed.
Main Description
Seedling
The cotyledons are stemmed, lanceolate shaped, smooth-edged, pale green, hairless, and have a distinct midrib.
Mature plant
Common chickweed stems grow prostrate, branching and are purplish green with white hairs. At upper regions of the stems it will usually grow ascending. Its leaves grow oppositely and are oval shaped going to pointed ends. Flowers consist of 5 petals deeply split so as they appear as 10 and the petals are oblong in shape. Flowering begins in March. The stem length can range from 5-40 cm and leaf length ranges from 0.5-2 cm.
Optimal growth conditions
Stellaria media thrives in moist conditions that have nutrient rich soils and does better in cool conditions. It can typically be found growing under the cover of other crops as it is protected from direct sunlight.
Crops
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Asparagus
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Canola
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Carrots
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Chickpeas
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Field Corn
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Lentils
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Lettuce
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Onions
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Peas
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Potatoes
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Soybeans
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Sweet White Lupins
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Tomatoes
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