Common Chickweed (Stellaria media)

History

Common chickweed occurs in a wide range of habitats, ranging from lawns and field crops to the floor of deciduous forests. Common chickweed is one of the widest spread weed species in Ontario.

Lifecycle

Common chickweed is an annual or winter annual, reproducing by seed and by horizontally spreading leafy stems that root at the nodes. Common chickweed will flower throughout the spring, summer and fall. One plant can produce between 10,000 to 20,000 seeds. Seeds will germinate at a depth of 1-2 cm.

Identification

Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of common chickweed is the single lengthwise line of fine white hair on one side of the stem, but switching sides above and below each node (Figure 1). Stems are prostrate to semi-erect. The leaves are opposite (2 per node), oval with pointed tips and smooth or slightly hairy (Figure 2). The flower of common chickweed is small with 5 "two lobed" white petals, which give the appearance of 10 tiny petals. For more information, refer to page 73, OMAF Publication 505, "Ontario Weeds".

Figure 1. Single lengthwise line of white hair on the stem of common chickweeds.

Figure 2. Common chickweed at the seedling stage.

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Post Harvest Control

Post harvest control of common chickweed is advantageous, particularly under heavy populations, because chickweed can be a host to a number of non-beneficial insects (i.e. wireworm). Common chickweed will also keep soil conditions cool and wet, which may delay spring planting. Fall applications of Amitrol and glyphosate provide good control the following spring. Refer to the product label for specific planting periods after applying Amitrol 240.  

*One field trial only. Peter Sikkema (Ridgetown College)

Control in Corn

A number of corn herbicides provide excellent control of common chickweed (Table 2). Atrazine provides the most cost-effective control.  

*One field trial. Peter Sikkema (Ridgetown College)

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Control in Winter Wheat

Field experiments conducted by Peter Sikkema have shown that Refine Extra (thifensufuron-methyl/tribenuon-ethyl) is the only product that will give adequate control of common chickweed in winter wheat (Table 3).  

*Peter Sikkema (Ridgetown College)

Best Time for Control

Common chickweed will essentially geminate all year round, provided it is not being shaded by other plant species. It is generally susceptible to herbicides at any stage. Therefore applications should be made so as to either minimize impact on crop yield or to reduce weed seed production.

References

• Alex, J.F. 1992. Ontario Weeds - OMAFRA Publication 505, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs
• Sikkema, P.H. 2000-2003. Weed Control Trials Research Report. Ridgetown College, University of Guelph.

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