How much sun does Common Chickweed need?

Common Chickweed grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Common Chickweed bloom?

Common Chickweed blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.

What pollinators does Common Chickweed attract?

Common Chickweed draws bees and flies.

Is Common Chickweed HOA-friendly?

Common Chickweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Common Chickweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Stellaria media

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) 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 shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–16" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees, flies

Native alternatives to Common Chickweed

Common 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.

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Common chickweed is a low-growing annual herb that forms small mats with tiny white star-shaped flowers. It blooms from early spring through late summer and prefers partially shaded areas with consistent moisture. This plant spreads readily and often appears in disturbed soils and garden beds.

In an HOA neighborhood

Common 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 common weed by most homeowners
Spreads aggressively and can appear unkempt
May be mistaken for neglected lawn maintenance

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract bees and flies during its extended blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds, particularly finches and sparrows.

Common questions

How much sun does Common Chickweed need?: Common Chickweed grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Common Chickweed bloom?: Common Chickweed blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
What pollinators does Common Chickweed attract?: Common Chickweed draws bees and flies.
Is Common Chickweed HOA-friendly?: Common 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.

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