Species Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed

white flowers with green leaves, white-green buds and stems

Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed

Cerastium fontanum

Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed (Cerastium fontanum ) is an herbaceous plant that is native to Europe and grows in many regions in North America. It is a low-growing annual or perennial, with small, palmate gray-green leaves that look like little mouse ears. Its delicate white flowers, with five petals each, are produced in the summer and early fall months. One of its most attractive features is its ability to produce quickly if given the right conditions and not become weedy. This makes it a great choice for both ornamental and edible gardens. It likes full or partial sun and moist soil and is also beneficial to other pollinators in the garden.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Mountain Chickweed should generally be watered once a week, in order to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Aim for about 1 inch (2.54 centimetres) of water. During the hot summer months, the plant may require a little more water than normal. Ensure that the soil is well drained in order to avoid any standing water, which can cause root rot. If necessary, increase the watering to twice a week during periods of excessive heat or dryness.

sunlight

Mountain chickweed, also known as Cerastium cerastoides, is a perennial plant that can thrive in well-drained, sunny areas. This plant does best in full sun, meaning it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The exact amount of sunlight the plant needs can vary depending on the climate, but in general it should receive 8-10 hours of sunlight in the summer and 4-6 hours of sunlight in the winter. If it is grown in an area with shade, additional light sources, such as a grow light, may need to be used to provide adequate light levels.

pruning

Mountain Chickweed should be pruned once annually, usually in early to mid spring. Pruning should begin when the plant is young, and lightly trim back new growth throughout the season. Pruning should encourage branching and reduce the plant’s height. Dead and damaged stems should also be removed while pruning. Additionally, any flowers that have gone to seed should be removed to prevent self-seeding of the plant. Mountain Chickweed should be pruned with care to remove up to a third of the plant’s total stem length.

Propagation