Contents
Description
Cerastium Brachypetalum is a small flowering plant that belongs to the family of Caryophyllaceae. It is also known by the common name of Short-petaled Mouse-ear Chickweed. This plant is native to the mountainous regions of western North America and can be found growing in meadows, rocky slopes, and open forests. It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 30 cm in height and can spread up to 60 cm in width.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Cerastium |
Appearance
Cerastium Brachypetalum has small, white, star-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers grow in clusters at the end of the stems and are surrounded by narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are covered in fine hairs. The stems of this plant are green and slightly hairy. The plant has a mat-like growth habit and forms a dense cover over the ground due to its branching, spreading stems.
Care Guide
To take care of Cerastium Brachypetalum, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought. It should be watered regularly during hot and dry weather. Fertilization should be done in early spring using a balanced fertilizer. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems. This plant prefers full sunlight but can tolerate some shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cerastium Brachypetalum is generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew if grown in humid conditions. This can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Slugs and snails can also be a problem, and they can be controlled by using slug bait or handpicking.
Habitat
Cerastium Brachypetalum is native to the mountainous regions of western North America. It can be found growing in meadows, rocky slopes, and open forests. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate some drought. This plant is adapted to cold climates and can survive harsh winter conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cerastium Brachypetalum a good ground cover plant?
A: Yes, Cerastium Brachypetalum is an excellent ground cover plant due to its mat-like growth habit and spreading stems.
Q: Does Cerastium Brachypetalum attract bees?
A: Yes, Cerastium Brachypetalum is attractive to bees and other pollinators due to its small, white, star-shaped flowers.
Q: Is Cerastium Brachypetalum easy to grow?
A: Yes, Cerastium Brachypetalum is easy to grow and care for as long as it is provided with well-draining soil, regular watering, and full sunlight.
Q: Can Cerastium Brachypetalum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Cerastium Brachypetalum can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its spreading stems and well-draining soil is used.
Related Plants
- Cerastium Alpinum
- Cerastium Arvense
- Cerastium Beeringianum
- Cerastium Fontanum
References
- “Cerastium Brachypetalum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=g240
- “Cerastium Brachypetalum.” Pacific Northwest Wildflowers. https://www.pnwflowers.com/flower/cerastium-brachypetalum
- “Short-petaled Mouse-ear Chickweed.” USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CEBR2
