Chickweed Stellaria media
IDENTIFICATION — This broadleaved annual creeps low to the ground, growing roots at nodes that touch the soil. Chickweed has slender, branching stems with a row of white hairs on one side of each branch, small pointed leaves and tiny white flowers that appear from midwinter to early spring.
FAVORITE CONDITIONS — Found throughout North America, this cool-season weed grows in fall to spring. It usually dies in the heat of summer. But in cool, shady gardens it may thrive year-round.
CONTROL — Hand pull the entire weed. Pieces left on the ground may reroot. Spray with a broadleaf-herbicide that contains triclopyr or a non-selective herbicide that contains glyphosate. As always, follow label directions when applying herbicides.