Cerastium vulgatum
broadleaf weedUSDA zones 2–10Active: spring, fallPerennial (unlike common chickweed) forming dense, low mats. Named for its fuzzy, ear-shaped leaves. Thrives in thin, low-fertility turf.
Small, hairy, oval leaves resembling mouse ears; dense mat-forming growth; tiny white 5-petaled flowers with deeply notched petals.
Mouse-ear chickweed thrives in low-fertility, thin turf. Fertilize and overseed.
When: Soil test and fertilize; overseed in fall
Rake out mats and pull stolons. Less effective than common chickweed pulling due to perennial nature.
When: Rake in spring when actively growing
Effective on perennial chickweed. Systemic action kills stolons.
When: Apply in spring or fall when actively growing
Active ingredient: Triclopyr — e.g. Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed Killer
Grass safety: always match herbicides to your grass species — products safe on Kentucky bluegrass can kill St. Augustine or centipede. Lawn Guardian checks this automatically against your lawn profile.
Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.
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