table of contents
Chickweed is a familiar garden weed recognisable by its tiny white flowers. The seeds were once fed to birds, which is how the plant earned its common name. In pastimes, the plant was a common potherb and had various medicinal uses.
Scientific Name
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Botanical Description
A fast-growing weed that covers the ground in clumps with leafy, hairy stems and bright green, egg-shaped leaves with pointed tips and smooth edges. The flowers are small, white and star-like, and the fruit are egg-shaped pod-bearing seeds.
Status
Annual, rarely perennial. Native.
Habitat and Distribution
Bare ground, cultivated land, wasteland.
Parts Used for Food
Largely leaves and stem.
Harvest Time
March, April, July, August, September.
Food Uses
Chickweed can be boiled and eaten as a green vegetable much like spinach. In the past, the plant was used as a potherb by farming communities in Europe and Asia.
The leaves can also be eaten raw as a savoury herb in salads and sandwiches, or chopped and added to soups, omelettes, stuffing, meatballs, pies or used as a garnish.
Nutritional Profile
It is a good source of vitamin C. It also contains vitamins A and Bs, fatty acids and minerals.
Chickweed Recipes
Herbal Medicine Uses
Chickweed was widely used as an anti-inflammatory herb. For example, chickweed cream was used to soothe eczema, sunburn and insect stings as well as to draw out boils and splinters.
Other Uses
Also yields lilac dyes for woollens.
Safety Note
Chickweed may cause allergic reactions in some people. The herb is also best avoided during pregnancy and when breastfeeding because there is not enough information about its safety.
References
Kermath, BM et al. (2013) Food plants in the americas: a survey of the domesticated, cultivated, and wild plants used for human food in north, central and south america and the caribbean.
Mills, S. Y. & Bone, K. (eds.) (2005) The essential guide to herbal safety. St. Louis: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
Sturtevant, E. L. (1919) Sturtevant’s notes on edible plants. Albany: J. B. Lyon.
Turner, N. J. et al. (2011) Edible and tended wild plants, traditional ecological knowledge and agroecology. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences. [Online] 30 (1–2), 198–225.
Wyse Jackson, P. (2013) Ireland’s generous nature: the past and present uses of wild plants in Ireland. St. Louis: Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
Have known & planted chickweed for many years under the impression that its the best greenfeed for Canaries —- Was totally surprised to see how incredibly nutricious it is for many people —-never mind the medicinal value. Eat it regulary for strenghtening the voice.
I agree with Kate, the information about Chickweed is wonderful and so interesting. Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Thank you for all this fascinating information – who knew that such a little plant had so many wonderful characteristics! I’m finding your newsletters and podcasts really interesting – thank you!
Absolutely fascinating. I gave so much if thus on my land. Made the paté( so deliciòus) earlier in the year and shared with friends. They were intrigued and amazed.
Thank you for sharing
Kameela?
I love chickweed and use it in salads mixed with other salad greens and wild greens. I often use it in place of chopped parsley. It grows prolifically in my garden so I can share with the neighbours who have Chooks. Best eaten before it forms seed heads in my opinion. Lynda. Kapiti Coast New Zealand