Common chickweed
Stellaria media
A low annual that forms soft mats in gardens and other disturbed soil. Opposite oval leaves and tiny white flowers accompany slender stems. Tender above-ground growth has culinary uses raw or lightly cooked.
Native range
Eurasia and North Africa; widely introduced in North America.
Typical season
Tender leafy growth is preferred. This cool-weather annual may have spring and autumn flushes; frost, moisture and site management affect availability. No validated local monthly picking window is assigned.
Identification
Look for opposite leaves, five deeply divided white petals that appear to be ten, and a single line of hairs along the stem. Distinguish mouse-ear chickweeds and poisonous scarlet pimpernel (Lysimachia arvensis). Small opposite leaves alone are insufficient. Use only identified plants from clean, permitted sites.