big chickweed
Family
CaryophyllaceaeScientific Name
Cerastium fontanum ssp. vulgare
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Cerastium fontanum ssp. Holosteoides
Cerastium holosteoides
Cerastium adsurgens
Cerastium triviale
Cerastium fontanum ssp. Triviale
Cerastium vulgatum
Habit
Mouseear chickweed is generally known as a short-lived weed. It germinates mostly in late summer, fall and early spring. It varies throughout the year. Flowers bloom from May to October. It is not tolerant of drought conditions; however it can remain green even under the snow in winter.
Leaves
The leaves are oblong shaped and have smooth edges forming a pointed tip. The leaves are also covered with long clammy hairs on the top upper portion and veins of the lower portions. The stems are covered with the same type of hairs.
Identifying Characteristics
Mouseear chickweed is not drought tolerant. Mouseear chickweed is a creeping, mat-forming species. Plants reproduce by seeds and roots.
Flower Seed Head
Mouseear chickweed flowers white and very small. The flowers are found in small groups at the end of branches.
Seed Fruit
Many small knob rounded seeds are found in the pods of the fruits that are small, tan, and cylindrical.
Where Found
This weed is found throughout North America at various locations- roadsides, woods, lawns, pastures, and abandoned cropland.
Growth Habit
Varies:
upright and nonwoody,
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
pencil
Dominant Flower Color
white
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
round,
oval
Leaf Arrangement
opposite
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
none
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
fibrous
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb