Common chickweed occurs just as readily in regions of tropical climate as it does in the cooler temperatures of high altitudes. In protected areas, this annual may occur during all seasons of the year. Common chickweed prefers moist, shady places. Its spreading, rooting branches cover good turf and seriously impede normal growth. This creeping habit often allows common chickweed to form extensive, dense patches. Leaves are bright shiny green, rounded and taper to a point. They are opposite each other on hairy stems. When leaf junctions touch the ground, they root and form new plants. Flowers of common chickweed are white with five deeply notched petals and though extremely small, are quite conspicuous.