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Chickenweed

Euphorbia hypericifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Chickenweed (Euphorbia hypericifolia)
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AZ, FL, GA and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Chickenweed is a small annual wildflower that forms low, spreading mats of tiny green leaves with delicate white flowers. It blooms continuously through the summer months and naturally reseeds itself for the following year. This native ground cover thrives in full sun with moderate watering.

In an HOA neighborhood

Chickenweed 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.

  • Annual lifecycle creates gaps when plants die back
  • Small size and informal appearance can look weedy
  • Self-seeding habit may appear uncontrolled

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the long summer blooming period. Its low growth habit provides habitat for beneficial insects.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Chickenweed fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.