GIANT CHICKWEED
Myosoton aquaticum
PINK FAMILY (Caryophyllaceae)
Identification
- Flowering Time - May, June, July, August, September, October
- Prefers wet to moist riverbank or floodplain habitat
- 5 deeply divided petals that at first glance look like 10
- Flowering stem has paired, stalkless, often clasping leaves
- Larger flowers and leaves than our common chickweeds
This naturalized perennial was introduced from Europe. It is a low tangled and weedy plant with lance-shaped, opposite leaves which clasp the stem near the flower (B). The progression of typical leaf shapes before flowering can be seen in images (D and E). The white flowers have 5 deeply cleft petals, which make them appear as 10 (A). These flowers bloom all summer long, some well into fall. Identified by the shape of its unique white flower petals. Compare with common chickweed (Stellaria media) which has much smaller white flowers and sparser upper leaves.
Considered common in floodplain woods, at Fontenelle Forest, where it can be seen blooming from May through October. It is uncommon at Neale Woods along the Missouri River.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.