Common Names: Starweed

Parts Used: Dried aerial parts.

Description: Weak, many branched long stems trail on the ground, juicy, pale green and slightly swollen at the joints. Chickweed is readily distinguished by the line of hairs that runs up the stem on one side only, which when it reaches a pair of leaves is continued on the opposite side. The leaves are succulent, egg-shaped, about 1/2 inch long and 1/4 inch broad, with a short point, pale green and quite smooth, with flat stalks below, but stalkless above. They are placed on the stem in pairs. The small white star-like flowers are situated singly in the axils of the upper leaves. Petals are narrow and deeply cleft, not longer than the sepals. They open around nine o'clock in the morning and are said to remain open just twelve hours in bright weather, but rain prevents them expanding, and after a heavy shower they become pendent instead of having their faces turned up towards the sun, though in the course of a few days rise again. The seeds are contained in a little capsule fitted with teeth which close up in wet weather, but when ripe are open and the seeds are shaken out by each movement of the plant in the breeze, which is an example of wind dispersal of seeds, which is seen in similar form in the capsules of poppy, henbane, campion and other plants. Every night the leaves' upper surfaces fold over the tender buds of the new shoots, and the uppermost pair but one of the leaves at the end of the stalk are furnished with longer leafstalks than the others, so that they can close upon the terminating pair and protect the tip of the shoot. Flowers throughout the year. Not to be confused with mouse-eared chickweed, which has smaller, narrower leaves.

Habitat: One of the commonest weeds found throughout the world.

Cultivation: This annual spreading plant is usually hated as a noxious weed by the typical gardener. It is found throughout temperate areas of North America and of Europe, the plant's native homeland. It prefers full sun, average to poor soils, and infrequent watering. Seeds readily in cultivated soil.

Propagation and Reproduction: Self-seeding.

Constituents: Saponin glycosides, Coumarins and hydroxycoumarins, Flavonoids, Carboxylic acids, Triterpenoids, Vitamin C, about l50-350mg per l00g.

Uses:

Miscellaneous: Chickweed is carried and/or used in spells to attract love and to maintain a relationship. It's a fine, soft pleasing herb under the dominion of the Moon. Chickweed water is an old wives' remedy for obesity.

Flower Essence: Provides nurturing and nutrition to the digestive system and thyroid; dispels timidity and shyness, allowing for clearer expression of self; brings a sense of joy into ones life.