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.

Big Chickweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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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.

See all plant problem guides

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