CHICKWEED IS PLENTIFUL, NUTRITIOUS AND TASTY. THIS MILD-FLAVORED PLANT ISA HEALTHY ADDITION TO ANY MEAL

BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES

Name: Chickweed

(Stellaria media)

Chickweed is a member of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), which consists of between 83 to 89 genera (depending on which botanist you follow) and about 3,000 species worldwide. Stellaria media is one of the more common members of this family and is found globally.

Description

Chickweed is a weak-stemmed plant, barely able to support itself more than 6 inches or so off the ground. The plant is found sprawling low to the ground, usually in clumped, intertwined masses.

With close observation, you can see a single line of tiny, fine, white hairs running along one side of the main stem. The small, oval-shaped leaves grow opposite each other in pairs, with untoothed margins, and each leaf comes to a point. The lower leaves are petioled (have a stalk), whereas the upper leaves lack a petiole and join the stem directly.