Common chickweed is a prostrate winter annual with a shallow, fibrous root system. This species prefers shaded, moist sites. Leaves are arranged oppositely and are oval or oblong in shape. They range in size from 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches in length, are light green in color and smooth or possibly hairy toward the base and on the petioles. Upper leaves are without petioles, while lower leaves are long petiolated. Stems usually run prostrate along the ground, rooting at the nodes, with the upper portion erect or ascending and freely branching. Stems are light green in color and have hairs in vertical rows. Flowers occur alone or in small clusters at the ends of stems. Flowers are small (3 to 6 mm wide) and consist of 5 white petals that are deeply lobed, giving the appearance of 10 petals. Plants die back with summer heat, but can survive year-round at cool sites.
