Chickweed Benefits and Uses You Should Know

Apr 4
2 min read

I'm not sure how it is where you are, but for me in North Florida, signs of Spring are definitely here! The temps are even reaching up to 80 degrees F, a far cry from the freezing temperatures we just had a couple of weeks ago. This means changes will be happening in the garden!

Introducing Chickweed

This Herb Talk is going to be about chickweed benefits! I feel like I mention it so often that people are thinking, “Chickweed again?” but then someone inevitably turns around and says, “You can eat chickweed?” This makes me realize that passing on knowledge about such an available, useful native weed (sorry, I mean plant) becomes important again.

Common chickweed plant growing in natural garden environment — Common Chickweed

What is Chickweed?

This time of year, Chickweed, or the official name, Stellaira media, starts rising in places here and there. It is named chickweed because chicks and various birds love it when it goes to seed when the weather warms. At one point we had a duck that even liked eating it green!

Seasonal Growth Patterns

It is the most tender of the wild greens when harvested young. The above-ground parts are used when they are vibrant and green. From what I have been reading, it is more available year-round up north and disappears in the winter. For we Southerners, it pops up in the late winter to early spring (like now!).

Close-up of small chickweed flowers and delicate leaves — The flowers are quite small

Importance of Proper Identification

To me it is easy to identify, but when you are going to eat or use a wild herb or plant, identification is hugely important. If you think you see it growing, make sure by Googling it or ask friends with knowledge to help you. I actually show a way to identify it in my social video here. Wait until the end to see it!

Nutritional and Practical Chickweed Benefits

Like many greens, it has good nutrient value, like vitamin A, C and many minerals, and this delicate green has many uses. Not only is it good for consumption in salad and soups, but it is also good for external issues. Many resources I pull information from discuss its benefit for itching, bites, stings, inflammation, etc.

Recommended Resource

I have a book which I am learning to love and refer to a lot, Backyard Medicine by Julie Bruton-Seal & Matthew Seal. Not only does it give good information on various wild plants but also provides detailed recipes. It has recipes for Chickweed pesto, Chickweed bath, and Chickweed vinegar to use in a bath or on salad.