Chickweed

Chickweed is a common garden weed, also called Stellaria media, and can be either cooked, or eaten raw, for instance in a salad. Moreover, chickweed is a modest source of vitamin C.[1]. In North America, there are about 25 species growing wild abundantly. Chickweed originates from Europe, but has spread throughout the world. It can often be found in wet and shady areas of the garden, and particularly under oak trees. Chickweed self-seeds and is able to produce up to five generations in one season. The herb, which belongs to the family of the Caryophyllaceae (carnation family), can be used to ease rheumatic pain and, when freshly gathered, to treat boils and abscesses.[2]

Common chickweed growing in Nashville, Tennessee.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stellaria_media#/media/File:Kaldari_Stellaria_media_01.jpg

[1] David A. Bender, "Chickweed," A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-chickweed.html (accessed April 4, 2015).

[2] Clare Hanrahan, "Chickweed," Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3435100176.html (accessed April 4, 2015).