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Description
Cerastium Brachypodum, commonly known as Short-stalked Chickweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant. It belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family and is native to Europe. This plant is mostly found in meadows, pastures, and rocky areas. It can grow up to 20 cm tall and has a spreading habit. It produces white flowers with five petals that bloom from May to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Cerastium |
Appearance
Cerastium Brachypodum has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are green in color. The leaves grow in opposite pairs and are covered with fine hairs. The flowers are small and white, with five petals that are deeply notched at the tips. The petals are slightly shorter than the sepals. The plant has a taproot and a branching stem that grows up to 20 cm in height. The stem is covered with fine hairs and has a spreading habit.
Care Guide
Cerastium Brachypodum is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:Water: This plant requires moderate watering. Water it deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season if you want to encourage growth.Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. It can tolerate poor soil conditions.Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as well.Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cerastium Brachypodum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. These can be treated with fungicides. The plant may also be eaten by rabbits and deer.
Habitat
Cerastium Brachypodum is native to Europe and is found in meadows, pastures, and rocky areas. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cerastium Brachypodum a good groundcover plant?
A: Yes, Cerastium Brachypodum is a good groundcover plant. It spreads easily and can help prevent soil erosion.Q: Can Cerastium Brachypodum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Cerastium Brachypodum can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives enough sunlight.Q: Does Cerastium Brachypodum attract bees?
A: Yes, Cerastium Brachypodum attracts bees and other pollinators.Q: How often should I prune Cerastium Brachypodum?
A: Cerastium Brachypodum does not require pruning. You can remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems as needed.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cerastium Brachypodum:
- Cerastium Arvense
- Cerastium Fontanum
- Cerastium Glomeratum
- Cerastium Tomentosum
References
- “Cerastium Brachypodum – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
- “Cerastium Brachypodum.” Plants of the World Online.
- “Cerastium Brachypodum.” Royal Horticultural Society.
