Family: Caryophyllaceae
giant chickweed, water chickweed
[Alsine aquatica (L.) Britton, more...]
Robert W. Freckmann
Kurt Stüber
Etymology: Myosoton: from mys for "mouse" and ous for "ear," referring to the leaves
Plants: prostrate with erect tips, perennial, 2"-24" tall, branched forb; stems glandular-hairy; rhizomes rooting from lower nodes
Leaves: opposite, mostly stalkless except lower leaves on short stalks
Flowers: white, 5-parted, 1/4"-1/2" wide, stalked, usually with 5 styles, deeply lobed petals much longer than the sepals; inflorescence open, leafy, terminal, branched cluster (cyme); blooms May-Oct.
Fruits: oval to oblong capsule
Habitat: moist; disturbed sites, woods
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Plants: prostrate with erect tips, perennial, 2"-24" tall, branched forb; stems glandular-hairy; rhizomes rooting from lower nodes
Leaves: opposite, mostly stalkless except lower leaves on short stalks
Flowers: white, 5-parted, 1/4"-1/2" wide, stalked, usually with 5 styles, deeply lobed petals much longer than the sepals; inflorescence open, leafy, terminal, branched cluster (cyme); blooms May-Oct.
Fruits: oval to oblong capsule
Habitat: moist; disturbed sites, woods
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FAC+ USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key
Kurt Stüber
Aaron_Carlson
Derek Anderson
Botanical Illustration
