jagged chickweed
Family
CaryophyllaceaeScientific Name
Holosteum umbellatum
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Holosteum umbellatum ssp. umbellatum
Habit
Jagged Chickweed is a winter/spring annual that is relatively small, but branches many times from the base. The stems may be standing up or on the ground. It has a fibrous root system and spreads by self-seeding.
Leaves
Basal leaves of Jagged Chickweed are typically no bigger than 2" (50mm) long and 1/2" (12mm) wide and oblanceolate. Leaves on the stem are arranged opposite each other and are no bigger than 1 inch (25mm) long and 1/4 inch (6mm) wide. They are mostly free of hair, sometimes hair can be seen on margins. The leaves are blue/grey green (unlike other chickweeds). Each stem ends in a flower head.
Identifying Characteristics
The plant does not usually get longer than 3-8" (76-203mm) long. Hair can be seen on the stem but not typically on the leaves, only sometimes on the margins. After blooming, the plant will dry out and appear straw like. The flower tips are jagged.
Flower Seed Head
Flowers are found on each stem and bloom at different times, typically in mid spring. It is commonly one of the first to bloom. They are about 1/4 inch (6mm) wide with 5 petals, 5 narrow/oval sepals, 3-5 states, and 5 styles. It should be noted that the petals are narrow and have jagged tips.
Seed Fruit
Seed are in capsules that are ribbed/cylindrical, with the tops open where 6 teeth can be seen. The seeds themselves can be seen as rectangular with an indent in the center.
Where Found
It can be found in fields or in residential areas.
Growth Habit
Varies:
upright and nonwoody,
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
white
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
round,
lance,
oval
Leaf Arrangement
opposite
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
Varies:
none,
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
fibrous
Life Cycle
winter annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb