chickweed

[ chik-weed ]

/ ˈtʃɪkˌwid /

any plant of the genus Stellaria, of the pink family, as S. media, a common Old World weed whose leaves and seeds are relished by birds.

any of various allied plants.

Origin of chickweed

First recorded in 1325–75, chickweed is from the Middle English word chiken wede. See chick, weed¹

She had a yellow braid over each shoulder, and Coppertoes was sitting on her wrist with a piece of chickweed in his bill.

Explorers of the Dawn |Mazo de la Roche
Chickweed must be sowne in February or March, in the full of the Moone.

Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics |Richard Folkard
Well, this particular fierce enemy was a patch of chickweed.

Great Possessions |David Grayson
It feeds on dock, chickweed, groundsel, and other low plants.

The Moths of the British Isles, First Series |Richard South

I could see groundsell and chickweed, and others that I did not know.

The Wouldbegoods |E. Nesbit

chickweed

/ (ˈtʃɪkˌwiːd) /

any of various caryophyllaceous plants of the genus Stellaria, esp S. media, a common garden weed with small white flowers

mouse-ear chickweed any of various similar and related plants of the genus Cerastium