sticky chickweed
Cerastium viscosum
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. E79E — Cerastium viscosum
Cerastium viscosumCerastium viscosumCerastium viscosumCerastium viscosumCerastium viscosumCerastium viscosumCerastium viscosumCerastium viscosumCerastium viscosumCerastium viscosumCerastium viscosumCerastium viscosumCerastium viscosumCerastium viscosum
IOverview
Overview
Sticky chickweed (Cerastium viscosum) is an annual forb or herb that thrives in moist environments with light to heavy soils, preferring a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, and parts of Europe and Asia, it has spread to many areas such as the Azores, Ukraine, and Turkey. This plant is known for its edible leaves and shoots, making it a useful addition to gardens or wild food sources. One distinctive feature of sticky chickweed is its sticky nature; the stems exude a viscid substance that can adhere to clothing and fur. Its presence in various habitats ranging from Central Europe to East Asia highlights its adaptability and widespread distribution.
Quick answers
What is sticky chickweed?
Sticky chickweed (Cerastium viscosum) is an annual forb or herb that thrives in moist environments with light to heavy soils, preferring a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, and parts of Europe and Asia, it has spread to many areas such as the Azores, Ukraine, and Turkey.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sticky chickweed thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It prefers moist conditions but can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay. This annual plant grows up to 0.3 meters tall and requires full sun to partial shade. For cultivation, direct seeding outdoors is recommended. Harvest the leaves and shoots for culinary use. The plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be found naturally in a wide range of locations across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
- Propagation
- Direct seed outdoors
- Row spacing
- 15 cm
For first-time growers
How to grow sticky chickweed for the first time
8steps
Sticky chickweed is a straightforward annual plant for beginners to grow, focusing on basic soil preparation and regular watering.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds of sticky chickweed, a small trowel or scoop, and a garden fork.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds in early spring after the last frost, or in late summer for a fall harvest.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare soil by loosening it with a garden fork and ensuring it's well-draining. Aim for a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors, covering them lightly with soil. Space seeds about 10 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Water gently to avoid disturbing the young seedlings.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushier foliage. Harvest leaves and shoots as needed for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular watering, not mulching, and allowing the soil pH to drift outside the preferred range.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: Sticky chickweed is edible and its leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, they are prepared fresh in salads or steamed as a green vegetable. The plant thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe6 regions
native (6)DenmarkFinlandNorwayRussiaSwedenUkraine
Asia6 regions
native (6)ChinaJapanMongoliaSouth KoreaSri LankaTaiwan
Africa1 region
native (1)Sudan
Broader regions
native:Krasnoyarsk, Tuva, Primorye, Buryatiya, Kirgizstan, Magadan, Altay, Amur, Chita, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Sakhalin
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · e79eaae5-4273-49e9-ba23-8a88151d14a6
Decision aid
Choosing between sticky chickweed and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.