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Field Chickweed

Cerastium arvense

Last reviewed: August 2026

Field Chickweed (Cerastium arvense)
Photo: (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair

Toxicity unknown

Field Chickweed (Cerastium arvense) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, CA, CO, CT and 36 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsNorth American DesertsSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsHigh PlainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Field chickweed is a low-growing native perennial that forms spreading mats of small, narrow leaves. It produces delicate white, five-petaled flowers from spring through mid-summer. This hardy plant thrives in sunny locations with minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Field 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.

  • Spreading mat growth can appear weedy
  • Low informal appearance conflicts with manicured landscapes
  • May be mistaken for common lawn weeds

Wildlife value

The flowers attract small native bees and beetles during its extended blooming period from April through July. Its low growth provides ground-level habitat for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Field Chickweed need?
Field Chickweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Field Chickweed bloom?
Field Chickweed blooms in April, May, June, and July.
Where is Field Chickweed native?
Field Chickweed (Cerastium arvense) is native to AL, CA, CO, CT and 36 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Field Chickweed attract?
Field Chickweed draws bees and beetles.
Is Field Chickweed HOA-friendly?
Field Chickweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Field Chickweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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