Skip to main content

Nodding Chickweed

Cerastium nutans

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

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

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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. 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.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz