This pesky plant loves to wreak havoc on the open spaces in your lawn or garden. Mouse-ear chickweed is best known for being a resilient weed that can withstand frequent mowing and seasonal changes. It forms a thick mat that can grow up to 20 inches tall when left to its own devices. Its fibrous roots are strong but shallow, so treatment is a snap.
Keep your eyes peeled for this bushy weed in cool, moist soil in a shady area. Mouse-ear chickweed grows fastest in the cool weather of spring and fall, although it will survive year round. Chickweed generally reproduces by seed, but creeping stems can also root when they touch the ground.
Mouse-ear chickweed will capitalize on turf that is cut too low. The best defense is a well-kept lawn that's at least 2 1/2 inches tall. If the infestation is small, you can remove the weed by pulling it out of the soil. Make sure to get all root pieces to avoid plant re-rowth. If a large chickweed problem pops up in your yard or garden, use a Roundup® Brand Weed & Grass Killer directly on the weed. Do not put the herbicide on your garden plants or lawn, as it will damage them.
Mouse-ear chickweed forms a spreading mat with sticky, dark green leaves that are covered in short hairs. Between its narrow leaves, white flowers will appear in late spring when growth is fast. Soon after, you'll see seedheads appear in mid summer. You'll find mouse-ear chickweed growing all over the US.
