Greater Chickweed
Stellaria neglecta
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Pl. 22D2 — Stellaria neglecta
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IOverview
Overview
Greater Chickweed, scientifically known as Stellaria neglecta, is an annual plant that thrives in a variety of habitats across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, and Belgium, it has spread widely due to its adaptability. This plant is valued for its edible leaves, which can be enjoyed raw or cooked. Greater Chickweed prefers moist conditions and light, medium, or heavy soil types, making it a resilient choice for gardens. It grows up to 0.1 meters tall and thrives in full sun to partial shade, contributing to its ornamental appeal as well as its culinary use.
Quick answers
What is Greater Chickweed?
Greater Chickweed, scientifically known as Stellaria neglecta, is an annual plant that thrives in a variety of habitats across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, and Belgium, it has spread widely due to its adaptability.
What is Greater Chickweed used for?
Traditionally used for topical & skin, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Greater Chickweed
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Greater Chickweed is traditionally used in topical applications to support skin health, particularly for minor irritations and wounds.
The mechanism by which Greater Chickweed supports skin health is not fully characterised but may involve anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe the skin.
- Greater Chickweed has been traditionally used in European herbalism for digestive issues, often prepared as a tea to soothe the stomach and aid digestion.
The mechanism by which Greater Chickweed supports digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that help regulate gastrointestinal motility and reduce inflammation.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Greater Chickweed support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Greater Chickweed thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This annual plant grows up to 0.1 meters tall and is native to a wide range of temperate regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, and others. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. Propagation can be done through direct sowing in spring or fall. Given its hardiness in temperate regions, it should perform well in most garden settings without specific zone requirements.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Greater Chickweed for the first time
8steps
Start with easy care and light requirements for Greater Chickweed.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in late summer for a fall harvest.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light to partial sun. Ensure soil is well-draining, rich but not heavy.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in rows 30 cm apart. Alternatively, start indoors and transplant seedlings after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin plants to about 15 cm apart once they have grown a few leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base for moisture retention and weed control.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Pinch back young shoots to encourage bushy growth. Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting regular thinning and pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Greater Chickweed are edible and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. They are often used fresh due to their delicate flavor. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe14 regions
native (14)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalySpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanKazakhstanNepal
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Nansei-shoto, Lebanon-Syria, Kirgizstan, Kriti, Baltic States
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
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