European regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)
EU 27 regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)

This species is classified as Least Concern due to its widespread and almost global distribution, persistent populations and no major threats.

 

Stellaria media is native to northern Africa, temperate and tropical Asia and Europe. It has become naturalised throughout Africa, Australasia, North and South America giving it an almost global distribution (USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program 2012).

This is an extremely widespread and common species throughout its native and naturalised range.

Stellaria media is an annual or short lived perennial herb found on a wide range of disturbed habitats and close to habitation such as cultivated land, farmyards, roadverges, bare and waste ground, rubbish tips, manure heaps, sewage works, walls and beaches, coastal strands and rocks especially on shingle or ground which has been nutrient enriched. It is known as a persistent weed as it has become resistant to many herbicides, and is fast growing, self-pollinating and flowers throughout the year for long periods, up to 3 generations per year (Online Atlas of the British and Irish Flora 2012, Blamey and Grey-Wilson 2003, Castroviejo et al. 1990).

There are no known threats to this species.

It is used in the form of a cream as phytotherapeutic remedy for relief from itching and scratching especially of dry skin associated with a change of climate from wet to dry but tinctures may have a more lasting relief (Lewis and Elvin-Lewis 2003). Externally, chickweed relieves itching and inflammation and is generally soothing and moisturising. This common plant has yet to be thoroughly scientifically studied. An infusion of the fresh or dried herb can be added to the bath water and its emollient property helps to reduce inflammation and encourage tissue repair. A decoction is also used externally for rheumatic pains, wounds and ulcers whilst the expressed juice of the plant has been used as an eyewash (Plants for a Future 2012).

There are no conservation measures in place or needed.

It is listed as Least Concern in Denmark (NERI 2007), Estonia (eBiodiversity Estonia 2012), Germany (Ludwig and Schnittler 1996), Luxembourg (Colling 2005), Norway (Artsdatabanken 2010), Switzerland (Moser et al. 2002) and the United Kingdom (Cheffings and Farrell 2005).