Scientific name: Stellaria media (L.) Cyr.
Synonym: Alsine media L.Common name: ChickweedFamily: CarophyllaceaeOrigin:Native of Europe. Habit:Annual herb with sprawling stems forming soft mats. Habitat:Common weed of gardens and disturbed ground, thrives in damp positions. General description:Stems and leavesStems are angular and softly hairy. The leaves are oval, with a point at the tip and a wedge shaped base (0.5-2.5 x 0.3-1.5 cm in size). The lower leaves have petioles (leaf stalks) 0.5-2 cm long while the upper leaves are more or less stalkless (sessile).Flowers and fruitThe flowers are small with five white petals (3-4 mm long). They are borne in clusters at the ends of the branches. Flowering occurs during spring. The fruit are egg-shaped capsules, 4-6 mm long, containing small, dark brown, warty seeds.Distinguishing features:Annual herb with delicate, sprawling, angular stems that are softly hairy. Plants form mats up to one metre across in damp conditions. Noxious status:Not noxious. Sources:Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 1. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. Auld, B.A. and Medd, R.W. (1996). Weeds: An Illustrated Guide to the Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Sydney. |