Cerastium Arvense Subsp. Strictum

Description

Cerastium Arvense Subsp. Strictum, commonly known as Strict Mouse-Ear Chickweed, is a low-growing perennial herb that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and has a unique growth habit that makes it a popular choice for gardeners. This plant has a spreading mat of stems that grow up to 10 cm long and form a dense carpet of leaves and flowers. The leaves are small, narrow, and lance-shaped, while the flowers are white, star-shaped, and have five petals. It blooms from May to August and produces fruit capsules that contain numerous small seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Cerastium Arvense Subsp. Strictum has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other plants. Its stems are thin and wiry and grow close to the ground, forming a dense mat of foliage. The leaves are small, narrow, and pointed, and they are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The flowers are white, have five petals, and are star-shaped. They bloom in clusters from May to August and are followed by fruit capsules that contain numerous small seeds. This plant grows up to 10 cm tall and can spread up to 30 cm wide.

Care Guide

Cerastium Arvense Subsp. Strictum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy:

• Water: This plant prefers well-drained soil and does not like to sit in water. Water it regularly, but do not overwater.
• Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilization. You can add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if you wish.
• Soil: Cerastium Arvense Subsp. Strictum prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.
• Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well.
• Hardiness Zones: Cerastium Arvense Subsp. Strictum is hardy in zones 4-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Cerastium Arvense Subsp. Strictum is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. It can also be affected by powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent these problems, make sure to water your plant appropriately and provide good air circulation around the foliage.

Habitat

Cerastium Arvense Subsp. Strictum is native to Europe and Asia and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including meadows, pastures, and open woodlands. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of conditions, including drought and poor soil quality.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Cerastium Arvense Subsp. Strictum a good ground cover plant?
A: Yes, this plant makes an excellent ground cover due to its low-growing habit and dense mat of foliage.

Q: Does Cerastium Arvense Subsp. Strictum require a lot of maintenance?
A: No, this plant is low-maintenance and does not require much care. It prefers well-drained soil and regular watering, but it can tolerate some neglect.

Q: Can Cerastium Arvense Subsp. Strictum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the soil is well-drained.

Q: Does Cerastium Arvense Subsp. Strictum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, this plant produces white, star-shaped flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Related Plants

• Cerastium alpinum
• Cerastium tomentosum
• Cerastium biebersteinii
• Cerastium fontanum

References

• Flora of North America. (n.d.). Cerastium arvense Linnaeus subsp. strictum (Boennigsen ex Fenzl) H. Lindberg. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242415965
• Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Cerastium arvense subsp. strictum. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c356
• University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. (n.d.). Cerastium arvense subsp. strictum. Retrieved from https://uwarboretum.org/plant-records/plant/cerastium-arvense-subsp-strictum/