Chickweed plant (Stellaria media)

When we go to a field or a forest, it usually happens that we do not stop to observe the plants that give it life, but we simply limit ourselves to enjoy nature. But there are many that are very interesting to know, such as the chickweed plant.

Why? Well, there are several reasons: it does not grow much, it produces beautiful flowers and, what cannot be ignored: it has medicinal properties; in fact, it can be used to relieve the pain and discomfort of rheumatism, among other health problems. Discover it.

Origin and characteristics

Our protagonist is an annual or biennial herb with a creeping habit native to Europe. Its scientific name is middle stellariaand is popularly known as chicken grass, capiquí, berraña, picagallinas, morujo, or melujín. Grows to a height of about 15-20cm. It has petiolate lower leaves, and all are opposite and oval or cordate. These sprout from very thin hairy or glabrous stems, less than 0,5cm thick.

The flowers are between 2 and 5mmand are formed by 5 oblong sepals, 5 white petals, 3 to 10 stamens with purple anthers and a pistil with three styles. The fruit is an ovoid or oblong capsule that contains several seeds from 05 to 1,5mm.

Uses

• Culinary: the leaves are edible and can be consumed as a vegetable, in salads for example.
• Medicinal:
  • As a juice, made from the fresh plant, it serves to strengthen and improve the health of the respiratory system.
  • As a poultice, it is used to treat wounds and ulcers.
  • Provides potassium and silicon to the body.
  • In homeopathy it is used for rheumatism and psoriasis.

What are their cares?

It is not a plant that is usually kept as an ornamental plant, but if you are interested in growing it, we recommend providing the following care:

• Location: it must be outside, in full sun.
• Earth:
  • Garden: grows in all types of soils as long as they have good drainage.
  • Pot: you can use universal growing medium.
• Irrigation: 4-5 times a week in summer, somewhat less the rest of the year.
• Subscriber: only if it is potted, in spring and summer with organic fertilizers such as liquid guano (get it here!) following the instructions specified on the package.
• Multiplication: by seeds in spring, or in autumn if you live in an area with a mild climate (no or very weak frosts).
• Rusticity: resistant up to -4ºC.

What did you think of the chickweed plant?