The Star of the Soil: Chickweed

Common Chickweed (Stellaria media). Cool, damp, shaded areas. Often found sprawling across garden beds and forest edges.

Safety first

Generally safe, but contains saponins which can cause stomach upset if eaten in massive, raw quantities.

Where to find it

Cool, damp, shaded areas. Often found sprawling across garden beds and forest edges.

Identification

Small, smooth, oval leaves that grow opposite each other. Tiny white flowers with 5 petals that are deeply cleft, making them look like 10 petals. Look for a single line of hairs running down one side of the stem.

Harvest and preparation

Leaves, stems, and flowers.

A delicate, slightly sweet green. Best eaten raw in salads, blended into smoothies, or used as a mild garnish.