CHICKWEED

either of two species of small-leaved weeds, of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae). The common chickweed, or stitchwort (Stellaria media), is native to Europe but is widely naturalized. It usually grows to 45 cm (18 inches) but becomes a low-growing and spreading annual weed in mowed lawns. Mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum), which is also from Europe, is a mat-forming, spreading perennial that has many upright stems, but it is usually not so tall as common chickweed. It grows in lawns, pastures, and cultivated fields throughout temperate regions. The stems and leaves are hairy and somewhat sticky. Both species have inconspicuous but delicate white, somewhat star-shaped flowers.