Field Chickweed
Cerastium arvense
Last reviewed: September 2026
Field Chickweed (Cerastium arvense) is a perennial forb native to AL, CA, CO, CT and 36 more states. It blooms in April, May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees and beetles.
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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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.
Growing Field Chickweed
Grow Field Chickweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
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 Field Chickweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.