Cerastium Alpinum

Description

Cerastium Alpinum, commonly known as alpine mouse-ear chickweed, is a low-growing perennial plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, including the Alps and the Pyrenees, and can also be found in North America and Asia. The plant produces small white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The alpine mouse-ear chickweed has a mat-forming growth habit, with a height of 5-15 cm and a spread of up to 30 cm. The leaves are dark green, oval-shaped, and hairy, with a length of 1-2 cm. The small white flowers have five petals and bloom from late spring to early summer. The plant is a low-maintenance ground cover that adds texture to rock gardens or as a border plant.

Care Guide

Alpine mouse-ear chickweed is a hardy plant that requires minimal care.

• Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.
• Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to promote growth.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: The plant can tolerate a wide range of hardiness zones, from 3-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

The alpine mouse-ear chickweed is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be prone to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.

Habitat

The alpine mouse-ear chickweed is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, including the Alps and the Pyrenees. It can also be found in North America and Asia. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can be found in rocky or gravelly areas, such as rock gardens or alpine meadows.

Question and Answer

• Q: Is the alpine mouse-ear chickweed deer-resistant?
  A: Yes, the plant is deer-resistant.
• Q: Can the alpine mouse-ear chickweed tolerate drought?
  A: The plant can tolerate drought, but it prefers to be watered regularly.
• Q: Can the alpine mouse-ear chickweed be grown indoors?
  A: The plant is not suitable for indoor growing and prefers to be planted outdoors.
• Q: Does the alpine mouse-ear chickweed attract bees?
  A: Yes, the plant produces small white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.

Related Plants

• Cerastium Tomentosum
• Cerastium Arvense
• Cerastium Diffusum
• Cerastium Fontanum

References

• “Cerastium alpinum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282654.
• “Cerastium alpinum.” Plant Information Online, University of Minnesota, plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CEAL.
• “Cerastium alpinum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/9450/Cerastium-alpinum/Details.