Crop Protection Online > Pests - Weed biology<br> <sub>Agro-region: Denmark</sub> - Stellaria media

Crop Protection Online

2.12 2024

Weed biology
_{Agro-region: Denmark}

Stellaria media

Can be mistaken for

Cerastium fontanum ssp., which has hairy true leaves.

Solanum nigrum L., which has hairy dicotyledon leaves and true leaves.

Stellaria media ALS-res that is morphologically identical but resistant to ALS-herbicides

Characteristics

Cotyledons
Oblong, oval with entire leaf margins. Stalked. The surface is smooth (a few hairs near the stalk). Length approx. 5-7 mm.

True leaves
Circular to egg-shaped with entire leaf margins. Stalked. The surface is smooth (hairy stalk). Length approx. 6 mm.

Mature plant
Common Chickweed is a low-growing plant with 5-20 cm long, trailing stems. One row of hairs along the stems. The diameter of the flower is approx. 4-5 mm. Seed production: Up to approx. 15,000 seeds per plant.

Seed
Almost circular and somewhat flattened. The surface is finely nubbly with the burls in curving rows. One notch in the peripheral edge. Thousand grain weight approx. 0.6 g.

Biology

Propagation and dispersal
Only through seeds.

Habit
Summer and winter annual.

Importance

The species is the most common weed in Denmark. It is found in all types of crops. In case of dense populations where the plant forms a carpet in the crop, Common Chickweed can cause quite severe losses in all types of crops. In seed fields of White Clovere and small-seed grasses Common Chickweed is an injurious weed because it is difficult to separate the seeds.

For treatment options, consult 'Herbicides Across'.
For more options, consult 'Main Menu'.

Taxonomy

Caryophyllaceae.

Names in different languages

Danish :	Fuglegræs
German :	Vogelmiere
English :	Common Chickweed
Latin :	Stellaria media
Norwegian :	Vassarve
Swedish :	Våtarv

Seedling

Early stage

Flower

Mature plant

Seeds

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Weed biology Agro-region: Denmark