Indian Chickweed
Mollugo verticillata
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Pl. 325D — Mollugo verticillata
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IOverview
Overview
Indian Chickweed, scientifically known as Mollugo verticillata, is an annual forb or herb that thrives in a variety of environments across North and South America, as well as parts of the Caribbean and Central America. Native to Alabama and regions including Argentina, Brazil, and parts of the United States such as Florida and Texas, this plant can also be found in various habitats like Aruba, Belize, and Venezuela. Indian Chickweed is known for its edible leaves, which make it a useful addition to culinary dishes. It prefers moist conditions and grows best in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil, thriving under full sun to partial shade. Standing at about 0.2 meters tall, this plant can be distinguished by its distinctive whorled leaves and small white flowers.
Quick answers
What is Indian Chickweed?
Indian Chickweed, scientifically known as Mollugo verticillata, is an annual forb or herb that thrives in a variety of environments across North and South America, as well as parts of the Caribbean and Central America.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Indian Chickweed thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This annual plant grows up to 0.2 meters tall and can be propagated by seed. It is hardy in temperate regions and is found across a wide range of locations including parts of North America, South America, and the Caribbean. For best results, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. Harvest the leaves for edible use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Indian Chickweed for the first time
8steps
Indian Chickweed is a simple annual herb for beginners to grow, focusing on basic care and harvesting.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings of Indian Chickweed, a small pot or garden bed, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light sand and organic matter. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the garden bed, or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide partial shade to prevent leaf scorch.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Pinch back the tips of stems to encourage bushy growth and harvest young leaves for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough light, and neglecting regular harvesting.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Indian Chickweed are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used fresh in salads for their mild flavor. The plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil and partial sun to full sun conditions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Americas9 regions
native (9)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench Guiana
Africa1 region
native (1)Angola
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Massachusetts, Arizona, Arkansas, Aruba, Brazil North, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, British Columbia, California, Cape Provinces, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Alabama
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 325daa41-40d0-46f2-a56c-b8a2b1c4de53
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