The common centocchio (Stellaria media) is an edible herbaceous plant rich in nutrients; it often grows along the roadside or between rural and urban environments. If you are interested in adding it to salads and soups, it is important to know how to recognize it.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Recognize Physical Characteristics
Step 1. Identify the leaves
At first they are small, oval and with a pointed tip. As the plant matures, the leaves also get larger and curl a bit along the edges, taking on a seemingly different shape from the oval one.
Step 2. Examine the stem
A characteristic detail is the direction of the hair on the stem; if you look closely, you can see that the hairs change direction at each knot (the lump-like point from which the leaf protrudes).
Step 3. Look at the inner core
Another typical feature of the common centocchio is the inner portion that is under the stem and that you can see by pulling the stem itself. This element is formed because the plant develops different stems from the same root system; this is the reason why it is so extensive once it matures.
Step 4. Look for a plant that develops in width
The common centocchio has a weak stem that has a single row of hair on each side. The young specimens do not enlarge as much as the mature ones; instead of looking for a plant that grows in height, look for a flat that spreads in width.
Since there are many stems that branch off from the same root system, many weaker plants are suffocated by the centocchio, which is why many farmers do not appreciate it
Step 5. Recognize the small white flowers
They sprout in spring and summer, each has 5 petals that have a deep notch in the center that makes them look double; apparently, each flower therefore appears to have 10 petals.
Method 2 of 3: Find the Common Centocchio in its Natural Habitat
Step 1. Know the climate in which it thrives
The common centocchio, whose scientific name is Stellaria media, has a shape that resembles a star; it is present all over the world and is very widespread in the Italian countryside. It is an annual plant, which means that it blooms in spring and dies in winter, however it has great resistance to cold and can sometimes survive mild winters.
As it is very common and strong, it grows in virtually any climate
Step 2. Look for it in the most common areas where it grows
Generally, you can find it along roads, in gardens, in abandoned plots of land and in pastures; it is one of the most common grass weeds.
Step 3. Identify the areas that are prone to flooding
This plant prefers flat surfaces where water accumulates easily; you are even more likely to find it in flooded woods. Check the area around your home or in the neighborhood for surfaces that match this description.
Step 4. Inspect lawns and farmlands
Stellaria media is an invasive species and prefers areas that have been previously worked, just like poison ivy. The areas that have undergone work or where the normal balance has been disturbed are agricultural ones, meadows, paths or fields.
Step 5. Look for it in other areas
This plant thrives in nutrient-rich soil that has been out of balance or receives a lot of water; you can therefore find it on the walls, near the new plantations, near the purification plants and near the animal manure.
It has also been identified on the boundary line between the beach and the land near lakes and the sea
Step 6. Collect the medium Stellaria
The plant is entirely edible and can be used for the preparation of salads and cooked dishes; however, the apical part is best, as the rest is woody or fibrous. It also has topical healing properties, for example it is useful against skin rashes.
Squeeze it and apply it on the skin to be treated, for example on rashes or irritations. If the skin discomfort is caused by an allergic reaction, know that the use of this plant does not replace a medical intervention
Method 3 of 3: Classify other Varieties
Step 1. Recognize pubescent Stellaria
It is a variety native to the east coast of the United States; its flowers are very similar to those of the common centocchio, but it does not grow in such an invasive way. A distinctive feature is the hairs on the stem that spread all the way to the flower section.
Its stem is stronger than that of the common variety, but you can always expose its inner core
Step 2. Identify the field pever
The scientific name is Cerastium glomeratum and always belongs to the centocchio family, from which it is distinguished by its dark green leaves. It is a perennial herb that remains dormant during the winter and blooms in the spring; it has a more developed down that also covers the leaves instead of forming a single line.
- Its common name in English is "mouse ear" due to the hair on the leaves which makes them look just like the ears of the rodent.
- It's not edible raw, but you can cook it just like spinach.
Step 3. Recognize the narrow-leaved peverina, or Cerastium arvense
It is native to North America and looks more like a flower than a weed. The leaves are dark like those of the field peverina, but have a more tapered shape; this plant grows mostly invasively.
- Its flowers are practically identical to those of the other varieties.
- It does not suffocate other plants.
Advice
- The common centocchio is very similar to the Mordigallina, which has square stems and red or blue flowers, besides it tastes terrible!
- The medium Stellaria has a delicate flavor that goes well with the stronger ones of the salad.
