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Nodding Chickweed

Cerastium nutans

Last reviewed: August 2026

Nodding Chickweed (Cerastium nutans)
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Toxicity unknown

Nodding Chickweed (Cerastium nutans) 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"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CO and 34 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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsPiedmontNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMadrean ArchipelagoEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Nodding chickweed is a small annual wildflower that produces delicate white flowers from late spring through summer. This compact native plant grows low to the ground and works well as a filler in natural garden settings.

In an HOA neighborhood

Nodding 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.

  • Name includes 'chickweed' which sounds weedy
  • Low annual growth habit looks informal
  • May be confused with common garden weeds

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during its spring to summer blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Nodding Chickweed need?
Nodding Chickweed grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Nodding Chickweed bloom?
Nodding Chickweed blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Nodding Chickweed native?
Nodding Chickweed (Cerastium nutans) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CO and 34 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Nodding Chickweed attract?
Nodding Chickweed draws bees and beetles.
Is Nodding Chickweed HOA-friendly?
Nodding 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 the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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