Species Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed
white flowers with lime-yellow center, white-yellow stamens, green leaves, and stems

Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed

Cerastium fontanum subsp. vulgare

Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed (Cerastium fontanum subsp. vulgare) is a small herbaceous plant native to Europe and North America. It prefers cool climates and grows well in sandy, loose soils. Its thin, broad, opposite leaves are covered with fine hairs which gives it the name “mouse-ear”. It is a low-growing, mat-forming plant with small, white, five-petaled flowers. These can be seen in bloom from April to July. Its seeds are small and round and spread easily due to their adherence to animal fur. A hardy plant, it can be found on roadsides and other disturbed habitats and is often used in groundcover planting schemes.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Layering Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,tan,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Water Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed regularly. In the spring and summer months, water the plant about once per week, allowing the soil to dry out in between watering. In the fall and winter months, water about once every 2 weeks, or as needed, allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings.

sunlight

Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed requires moderate sunlight for optimal growth. At least 4 hours of direct or indirect sunlight per day is required. During the growing season, it is beneficial to provide additional sun exposure to promote healthy leaves and flowers. During the winter months, some shade from direct sunlight should be provided to avoid heat stress.

pruning

Prune Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed (Cerastium fontanum subsp. vulgare) in the spring after the last frost. Pruning should be moderate, removing no more than a third of the foliage. This will encourage new growth and a bushy growth habit, while maintaining the flower production for which the plant is known. Pruning may also help to discourage weeds and pests by allowing better air circulation around the plant.