Common chickweed (Stellaria neglecta, M.J.Bluff & C.A.Fingerhuth, Comp. Fl. German. 1: 560 (1825))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: (Lej.) Weihe

Bibliography: M.J.Bluff & C.A.Fingerhuth, Comp. Fl. German. 1: 560 (1825)

Year: 1825

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Stellaria

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Temp. E. Asia, N. Africa

Description

Common chickweed, scientifically known as Stellaria neglecta, is a widespread herbaceous plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. First comprehensively cataloged by M.J. Bluff and C.A. Fingerhuth in their seminal work “Compendium Florae Germanicae” published in 1825, this unassuming yet resilient species has piqued the interest of both botanists and naturalists over the years.

Characterized by its delicate, star-shaped white flowers, Stellaria neglecta thrives across a broad geographical range. It is native to Europe and has extended its presence to temperate regions of East Asia and North Africa. The plant flourishes in a variety of habitats, including meadows, gardens, and woodland edges, often preferring moist and shady environments. Due to its adaptive nature and prolific growth, Common chickweed is frequently encountered in both wild and cultivated lands.

One of the notable features of this plant is its vigorous growth cycle, which allows it to propagate rapidly across suitable terrains. This aspect can make Common chickweed both beneficial and bothersome. In some ecosystems, it provides ground cover and can prevent soil erosion, while in agricultural settings, it is often regarded as a persistent weed that competes with crops for nutrients and space.

Common chickweed’s tender leaves and stems are edible and have historically been used in salads and as a potherb. They provide a source of vitamins and minerals, often included in traditional medicinal practices for their purported soothing properties, particularly in treating minor skin irritations.

Despite its somewhat humble appearance, Stellaria neglecta represents a significant species within the Caryophyllaceae family. Its wide distribution and ability to flourish in various climates underscore its resilience and ecological importance. This plant thus continues to be of interest not only for its botanical qualities but also for its practical uses in traditional diet and medicine.

Common Names

Deu: auwald-sternmiere, großblütige vogelmiere, öbersehene sternmiere, übersehene miere
Eng: common chickweed, greater chickweed
Dan: skov-fuglegræs
Swe: bokarv, pyökkitähtimö
Nld: heggenvogelmuur
Fra: mouron des oiseaux sous-espèce neglecta
Fin: pyökkitähtimö
Nob: bøkearve
Nno: bøkearve
Cym: brechlys mwyaf, gwlyddyn-y-dom mawr
En: Common chickweed, Greater chickweed
Zh: 疏花繁縷, 鸡肠繁缕
Cs: Ptačinec přehlížený
Da: Skov-fuglegræs
Nl: Heggenvogelmuur
Fi: Pyökkitähtimö
Fr: Mouron des oiseaux sous-espèce neglecta, Grande Stellaire, Stellaire négligée
De: Auwald-Sternmiere, Übersehene Miere, Großblütige Vogelmiere, Öbersehene Sternmiere, Übersehene Sternmiere, Übersehene Vogelmiere
It: Centocchio a fiori grandi
Nb: Bøkearve
Nn: Bøkearve
Pl: Gwiazdnica zaniedbana
Sv: Bokarv, Pyökkitähtimö
Zh-tw: 疏花繁縷
Zh-hant: 雞腸繁縷
Cy: Gwlyddyn-y-dom mawr, Brechlys Mwyaf

Synonyms

• Stellaria media var. major (W.D.J.Koch)
• Stellaria media var. candollei (Briq.)
• Stellaria vernalis (Raunk.)
• Stellaria media subsp. umbrosa ((Opiz) Nyman)
• Stellaria gracilipes (Raunk.)
• Stellaria media subsp. major (Arcang.)
• Stellaria media subsp. catalaunica ((Sennen & Pau) Sennen)
• Stellaria media var. ellipticifolia (Rouy & Foucaud)
• Stellaria media var. neglecta ((Lej.) Mert. & W.D.J.Koch)
• Alsine neglecta (Lej.)
• Stellaria media var. ovalifolia (Rouy & Foucaud)
• Stellaria media subsp. neglecta ((Lej.) Gremli)
• Stellaria neglecta var. prespaensis (Micevski)
• Stellaria octandra (Pobed.)
• Stellaria media var. procera (Klatt & Richt.)
• Stellaria catalaunica (Sennen)
• Stellaria media var. decandra (Fenzl)
• Stellularia media var. neglecta ((Lej.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Sep 28, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2020 by Farnoush Poursafavi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2020 by Farnoush Poursafavi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 6, 2020 by Karim BOUDANI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2020 by Bruno Azevedo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2020 by Bruno Azevedo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2021 by Rosalyn Jones (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 28, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2018 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 28, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 25, 2018 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Frédéric Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 30, 2020 by justin klamut (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2020 by Amanda Smith (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6363436)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:159358-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Stellaria neglecta Weihe)

Specifications

Growth