Mouse-ear Chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum)

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General Information: Mouse-ear Chickweed is a perennial weed and is very common on lawns throughout in the UK. It can spread very quickly, it forms a dense mat on the lawn and can tolerate close mowing but it is easy to control with a selective herbicide.

Leaf: The small dark green leaves are fleshy, covered in very fine hairs and are oval in shape.

Flower: The flowers can be seen between May and October. Each flower has 5 small white petals, each with deep lobes, sometimes giving the impression it has 10. See picture to the left.

Preferred Habitat: Mouse-ear chickweed can thrive on all types of soils and conditions and can withstand close mowing.

Control: Mouse-ear chickweed is a difficult weed to control by hand because of its growth characteristics so is really only practical for a few plants. Like most lawn weeds they can be discouraged by keeping your lawn in a healthy condition with good maintenance practices. In some cases reducing the shade may help reduce the problem.

If the problem is severe chemical control will be needed. As Mouse-ear Chickweed is susceptible to a wide range of chemicals, most products can be used to control this weed. One application is usually enough to kill Mouse-ear chickweed. Aim to treat Mouse-ear chickweed during the first signs of the weed and when growth is strong for the best results. Once the weed has been removed or controlled the bare area can be filled with a mixture of suitable soil and grass seed to aid recovery. Please go to our weed control page for more info on weed killer treatment.

Recommended selective weed killers for Mouse-ear Chickweed.

Verdone Extra (fluroxypyr, clopyralid & MCPA).
Westland lawn weed killer (2,4-D, mecoprop-p & dichlorprop-p).
Westland lawn feed, weed & moss killer (2,4-D & mecoprop-p) includes a fertiliser.
Westland Resolva lawn weed killer (MCPA, mecoprop-p & dicamba).
Vitax green up lawn weed & feed (2,4-D & dicamba) includes a fertiliser.
Vitax green up lawn weed & feed + moss killer (2,4-D & mecoprop-p) includes a fertiliser.
Vitax lawn clear (fluroxypyr & mecoprop-p)
Doff lawn spot weeder (2,4-D, mecoprop-p& dichlorprop-p).
Evergreen Complete (MCPA, mecoprop-p).
Evergreen feed + weed liquid (MCPA, mecoprop-p & dicamba) includes a fertiliser.

To get the best results with selective weed killers apply them when the weeds are growing, this is usually between April and October.

Always read the label and follow the manufacturers guidelines when applying chemicals to your lawn or garden.

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