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Weed Identification

Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Science Virginia Cooperative Extension

jagged chickweed

Family

Caryophyllaceae

Scientific Name

Holosteum umbellatum
Weed photograph 1
Weed photograph 2
Weed photograph 3
Weed photograph 4
Weed photograph 5

Synonyms (former Scientific Names):

Holosteum umbellatum ssp. umbellatum

Habit

Jagged Chickweed is a winter/spring annual that is relatively small, but branches many times from the base. The stems may be standing up or on the ground. It has a fibrous root system and spreads by self-seeding.

Leaves

Basal leaves of Jagged Chickweed are typically no bigger than 2" (50mm) long and 1/2" (12mm) wide and oblanceolate. Leaves on the stem are arranged opposite each other and are no bigger than 1 inch (25mm) long and 1/4 inch (6mm) wide. They are mostly free of hair, sometimes hair can be seen on margins. The leaves are blue/grey green (unlike other chickweeds). Each stem ends in a flower head.

Identifying Characteristics

The plant does not usually get longer than 3-8" (76-203mm) long. Hair can be seen on the stem but not typically on the leaves, only sometimes on the margins. After blooming, the plant will dry out and appear straw like. The flower tips are jagged.

Flower Seed Head

Flowers are found on each stem and bloom at different times, typically in mid spring. It is commonly one of the first to bloom. They are about 1/4 inch (6mm) wide with 5 petals, 5 narrow/oval sepals, 3-5 states, and 5 styles. It should be noted that the petals are narrow and have jagged tips.

Seed Fruit

Seed are in capsules that are ribbed/cylindrical, with the tops open where 6 teeth can be seen. The seeds themselves can be seen as rectangular with an indent in the center.

Where Found

It can be found in fields or in residential areas.

Growth Habit

Varies: 
upright and nonwoody, 
prostrate and nonwoody

Thorns or Spines

not present

Approximate Flower Diameter

Varies: 
pencil, 
dime

Dominant Flower Color

white

Flower Symmetry

radial symmetery

Leaf Hairs

Varies: 
no hairs, 
has hairs

Leaf Shape

Varies: 
round, 
lance, 
oval

Leaf Arrangement

opposite

Leaf Margin

entire

Leaf Structure

simple

Leaf Stalk

Varies: 
none, 
shorter than leaf

Stem Hairs

no hairs

Stem Cross Section

round or oval

Milky Sap

not present

Root Structure

fibrous

Life Cycle

winter annual

Ochrea

not present

Plant Type

Herb