Beware of Chickweed

Chickweed can crowd out low-growing plants before they can start their own growth later in the spring. Although there are several kinds of chickweed, the smooth-leaved common chickweed is often the main culprit. Seeds of the weed normally germinate in late summer or early fall, growing slowly during warm periods of the fall and winter. Its creeping branches are low and spreading, often reaching a height of no more than 4 inches unless crowded, or in shade where they may stretch up to about a foot.

Chickweed leaves are small and light green. Small white, star-like flowers are produced among them. Seeds are produced abundantly to provide next year's plants. Since the plant is a true winter annual, it dies in early summer after seed is produced and hot weather arrives. Chickweed received its common name because young chickens and small birds are fond of both the leaves and seeds. Hogs and rabbits also eat the plants.

Chickweed is native to Europe, but can now be found throughout North, Central and South America. Chickweed has long been used as a cooked food, and is often referred to in ancient herbals. Because the plant is a source of Vitamin C it was often used to provide the vitamin to the diet in winter before modern transportation made fresh fruits and vegetables available at that time. Because it is a hardy winter annual, fresh green leaves of it can be available throughout the winter months.

Those who have eaten it say that the young, tender tips of the shoots are best, and may be eaten raw or cooked. However, at certain times, many weed plants may contain high levels of nitrates, and if eaten in excess may be toxic. Cases of poisoning have been reported where young lambs have eaten large quantities of chickweed. However, to most of us with better sources of greens, chickweed is just a troublesome weed. If we want to eliminate it from the lawn this season, prompt action should be taken.

As the plant becomes more mature, it becomes more difficult to kill Also, large plants in the lawn are more noticeable as they yellow and die than the smaller ones currently present. In the lawn, chemical control is still possible. However, in strawberry or perennial flower beds, hand weeding is necessary as no chemicals can be safely applied at this time. The weeds are easiest to clean out while still small, but be sure to clean them off the bed since they can easily reestablish themselves in loose soil if a rain soon follows weeding.

One of the most effective materials for control in the lawn is called silvex. It may be used alone, or in combination wilh 2,4 D. It is available in stores under many different trade names. To be sure the material you buy contains silvex check the list of ingredients. It should be mined there as either silvex 2,4,5,-TP, or with its full chemical name, 2-12,4,5- trichlorophenoxy propionic acid.

When spraying the material use care, so that it does not get onto desirable ornamental plants. In fall you can get a head start on chickweed by wing a pre emergence herbicide such as dacthal on the lawn or beds in early September before the many seeds chickweed produces have had a chance to grow.

http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Plants.Folder/Chickweed.html