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Stellaria media

Species category

Weed

Common name

common chickweed, chickweed, nodding chickweed

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Circular and compressed

Size

  • Length 1–1.2 mm
  • Width 1–1.2 mm
  • Thickness 0.5–0.6 mm

Color

Reddish to brown

Texture

Tubercles on margin rectangular and on sides irregular with minute lines radiating from them

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 is in deep slit in margin, no collar.

Identification notes

Seeds are small but have large tubercles. Tubercles are rectangular; in regular rows on the outer margin; side tubercles in irregular rows with lines radiating from them.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet.

Nomenclature

Family

Caryophyllaceae

Valid name

Stellaria media (L.) Vill.

Stellaria media . True seeds with large tubercles that are rectangular and in rows on the outer margin, but side tubercles in irregular rows with lines radiating from them.
Stellaria media. True seeds with large tubercles that are rectangular and in rows on the outer margin, but side tubercles in irregular rows with lines radiating from them.
Stellaria media . True seeds with large tubercles that are rectangular and in rows on the outer margin, but side tubercles in irregular rows with lines radiating from them.
Stellaria media. True seeds with large tubercles that are rectangular and in rows on the outer margin, but side tubercles in irregular rows with lines radiating from them.