IDENTIFICATION
Annual to winter annual.
Common chickweed grows low to the ground with many branches covered
in smooth, fleshy, broadly oval, pointed leaves. Throughout the season
it produces small, white, star-shaped flowers. Stems and leaf stalks have
a conspicuous line of hairs on one side.
DAMAGE
Common chickweed is a problem in cultivated crops, gardens, and
lawns. Its early, rapid spring growth can smother seedling crops, while
its shade tolerance allows it to persist in tall crops, such as cereals.
The succulent leaves remain green after cutting and tangle in harvest
equipment.
HABITAT
Common chickweed is shade tolerant and well adapted to fertile
soils and moist, cool growing conditions. In British Columbia, it grows
in grain fields, cultivated fields, pastures, gardens, and disturbed habitats
in all agricultural regions.
SPREAD
A single plant can produce 15,000 seeds a year and seeds are spread on
farm equipment, in contaminated soils, and animal manure. Deeply buried
seeds can survive up to sixty years.
