The common name for Chickweed (Stellaria media) comes from the old custom of using the seeds as bird feed. It is a mild herb that isvery nutritious, providing large amounts of protein and minerals. The fresh tops are delicious boiled or as greens in a salad. Native to Europe, but found throughout the temperate regions of North America, Chickweed is very common because it blooms as early as March and continues blooming throughout the summer. Its seeds are also easily scattered by the wind, thereby making it an eay herb to grow.

       Chickweed is also known as Starweed because of the starlike shape of its delicate white flowers. The flowers open on sunny days but may close on rainy or cloudy days.