Common Chickweed (Stellaria media)
Common Chickweed is an introduced weed found on cultivated an disturbed ground. It is an annual weed which grows within one season, and is circumpolar, meaning it can be found in northern regions across the globe. Small white flowers appear on Common Chickweed plants throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The stems and leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked, so there is a variety of ways to incorporate it into your favourite meals, while adding sources of vitamin A and C.
Did you know? Common Chickweed is often called ‘hen’s inheritance’ because the greens are a favourite food of chickens and wild birds.
Before foraging for the required ingredients, we recommend taking a look at our Sustainable Foraging Guide!
Culture Connection
Nehiyawewin: ᐲᒪᐦᐆᐸᑯᐢ pîmahôpakos
Chickweed was used as both food and medicine. The Anishnaabe (Ojibway) strained the leaves and used the resulting decoction as a wash for sore eyes. The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) used chickweed to treat arthritis and as a poultice for cuts and wounds and swellings. In more recent history they used it as chickenfeed.
Chickweed can be collected any time before it goes to seed, but is best harvested in the spring when the leaves are young
Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil
3 cups of fresh chickweed leaves and tops
1/2 parmesan cheese
lemon juice and zest of one lemon
1/3 cup walnuts or pine nuts
3-4 cloves garlic
Method
Mix all ingredients in a food processor
Enjoy on pasta, pizza, paninis, or chicken!