Yet another common weed of European origin, mouse-ear chickweed shares many of the properties of chickweed.

   The main differences are that mouse-ear chickweed has hairy, somewhat sticky, stems; and more substantial, fuzzy leaves that are unstalked. Mouse-ear chickweed also seems more tolerant of hot or dry conditions. In my yard, chickweed grows in the mostly shaded parts of the lawn, while mouse-ear chickweed grows in the sunnier, dryer parts. And while chickweed is quite good raw or cooked, mouse-ear chickweed is apparently much better cooked.

Selected References

• National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers - Eastern Region, Niering and Olmstead
• Peterson Field Guides Edible Wild Plants, Lee Allen Peterson
• Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants, Steve Brill
• The Encyclopedia of Edible Plants of North America, Francois Couplan, Ph.D.
• Tom Brown's Guide to Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants, Tom Brown, Jr.
• Weeds (A Golden Guide), Alexander C Martin