Herb: Greater Chickweed


Latin name: Stellaria neglecta


Synonyms: Stellaria media neglecta


Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family, Starwort Family)



Edible parts of Greater Chickweed:

Young leaves - raw or cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
12 cm
(4 3/4 inch)

Habitat of the herb:

Hedgerows, wood margins, streamsides and shady places.

Propagation of Greater Chickweed:

Seed - sow spring in situ.

Cultivation of the herb:

Hedgerows, wood margins, streamsides and shady places.

Medicinal use of Greater Chickweed:

None known

Known hazards of Stellaria neglecta:

Although no mention has been seen for this species, the leaves of some members of this genus contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.