Big Chickweed
Cerastium holosteoides
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Big Chickweed (Cerastium holosteoides) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–16" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Big Chickweed
Big Chickweed is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Wondering what could grow where Big Chickweed is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.
Common mouse-ear chickweed is a low-growing perennial with small white flowers that bloom from May through July. This hardy groundcover spreads readily and tolerates various growing conditions, making it useful for naturalizing areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Big Chickweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Considered a weedy species by most homeowners
- Spreads aggressively and can overtake desired plants
- Very informal appearance that looks unkempt in maintained landscapes
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract bees and beetles during the spring and summer blooming period. This plant provides early season nectar when few other flowers are available.
Common questions
- How much sun does Big Chickweed need?
- Big Chickweed grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Big Chickweed bloom?
- Big Chickweed blooms in May, June, and July.
- What pollinators does Big Chickweed attract?
- Big Chickweed draws bees and beetles.
- Is Big Chickweed HOA-friendly?
- Big Chickweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Big Chickweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.