Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK | |
Oklahoma Alfalfa |
|
Common Chickweed |
|
COMMON NAME: | Common Chickweed |
SCIENTIFIC NAME: | Stellaria media (L.) Vill. |
TYPE: | Annual Cool-season Broadleaf Weed |
DESCRIPTION | |
Germination: | September to December. |
Reproduction: | By seeds the following spring (April to May). |
Stems: | Branched, creeping or ascending, resulting in low spreading plant 4 to 12 inches high. |
Leaves: | Small, opposite, simple, broadly ovate, pointed at the tips, smooth. |
Flowers/ Inflorescence: |
Small, white, with 5 deeply notched petals. |
Fruit: | Capsule, egg-shaped, splitting into 6 sections. |
FOUND: |
Common chickweed is found in lawns, gardens, alfalfa, strawberry beds, and nurseries. It is very common in alfalfa but not considered a major weed problem since the species are not real competitive. Most plants mature in April before the first hay cutting. |
CONTROL: |
In seedling stands, good control of common chickweed is obtained with EPTAM. In established stands, good control may be obtained with residual herbicides like VELPAR and SINBAR (0.5 lb/A active ingredient) applied in January to February. |
In Alfalfa | Plant | Leaf | Plant | Seed Head |
Additional Common Chickweed Images |
Jim Stritzke Former Alfalfa Weed Control Specialist Department of Plant and Soil Sciences Oklahoma State University |