Chickweed

Chickweed is as common as the dandelion, but becuase it is less conspicuous, fewer people recognize this little plant. The little leaves are in opposite pairs on the stem, with white flowers. There are five petals on the flowers, but they are often so deeply cleft that it appears as if there were 10 petals.

Boiled, the plant can be used like spinach, but has a somewhat milder flavour. You can use the stem, leaves and flowers, cooked, or just raw in salads. It is so tender that it should not be overcooked, just boil for two or three minutes at most.