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Medicinal plant

Chickweed

Stellaria media

A cooling spring green for itchy, irritated skin. Also called Common Chickweed, Starwort.

Chickweed is a mild, edible cool-season herb that thrives in gardens, lawns, and disturbed ground. It has a long history of topical use for itchy, irritated skin, while the tender leaves and stems are also eaten as a fresh spring green.

Uses
Skin — Herbs used in topical preparations, or traditionally associated with soothing and caring for the skin.
Properties

Demulcent — Coats, moistens, and soothes irritated internal tissues

Emollient — Softens, moisturizes, and soothes the skin

Vulnerary — Supports healing of wounds or damaged tissue

Energetics
Cooling — Calms heat, irritation, or excess activity. Moistening — Adds or preserves moisture and soothes dryness.
Chickweed (Stellaria media), historical botanical illustration

Similar herbs: Plantain, Jewelweed, Violet

Growing and using it

Life cycle

Cool-season annual that readily self-seeds.

Hardiness

Cool-season annual; USDA perennial hardiness does not apply.

How to start

Direct sow, or let an existing patch self-seed.

Starting from seed

Direct sow into cool soil.

Harvesting

Harvest tender tops repeatedly while growth stays lush.

Grow in zone
Direct sow — Sow straight into the ground where the plant will growDirect sow: AprilDirect sow: MayDirect sow: SeptemberDirect sow: OctoberHarvest tender tops — Gather tender tops in these monthsHarvest tender tops: AprilHarvest tender tops: MayHarvest tender tops: JuneHarvest tender tops: SeptemberHarvest tender tops: OctoberHarvest tender tops: November

Grows best in cool weather. Summer heat usually slows or ends growth.

Gardening tools

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DeWit potting trowelBuyGrampa's gardening apronBuyGarden auger drill bit for planting holesBuyPlant protection mesh bagsBuy
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