Stellaria neglecta

Weihe.

Common Chickweed, Greater Chickweed

Caryophyllaceae Edible: Leaves Potential hazards — see below 1,423 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Stellaria neglecta, greater chickweed, is an annual to short-lived herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, where it grows in hedges and woodland margins on neutral to slightly acid, damp soils, and is widespread but rarely abundant. It has been introduced to North America, where it has been spreading in recent decades.

Description

A herb. It can grow for one or two years. It grows 30-80 cm tall. It has one line of hairs. The leaves have only a short or no leaf stalk. The leaves are narrowly oval. They are 2-3 cm long by 1 cm wide.

Edible Uses

Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, though this plant is considered a famine food, used only when nothing else is available.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although no mention has been seen for this species, the leaves of some members of this genus contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish.

Distribution

It grows in mixed forests between 900–1200 m altitude in China.

Where It Grows

Afghanistan, Africa, Britain, Central Asia, China, Europe, Himalayas, Japan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, North Africa, Russia, SW Asia, Tajikistan,

Cultivation

Prefers a moist soil.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring directly in situ.

Other Uses

None known

Notes

There are about 130 Stellaria species. They are mostly in temperate regions.

Synonyms

S. media neglecta. (Weihe.)Murr.

Also Known As

Ji chang fan lu

References (4)

Chen, B. & Qiu, Z., Consumer's Attitudes towards Edible Wild Plants, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. p 26 www.hindawi.com/journals/ijfr/aip/872413.pdf
Lu Dequan, Wu Zhengyi, Zhou Lihua, Chen Shilong; Michael G. Gilbert, Magnus Lidén, John McNeill, John K. Morton, Bengt Oxelman, Richard K. Rabeler, Mats Thulin, Nicholas J. Turland, Warren L. Wagner, CARYOPHYLLACEAE, Flora of China.
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
www.efloras.org Flora of China Vol 6