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Description
Cerastium Diffusum, commonly known as the hairy starwort, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to Europe and grows up to 20cm in height. The leaves are hairy, and the flowers are white with five petals, which bloom in May and June.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Cerastium |
Appearance
The hairy starwort has a mat-forming habit, with slender stems arising from a central point. The leaves are hairy and oblong, and the flowers are white with five petals that are deeply notched. The plant blooms in late spring and early summer, and the flowers are about 1cm in diameter. The fruit is a cylindrical capsule that contains several small seeds.
Care Guide
Cerastium Diffusum is an easy-to-grow plant that requires little maintenance. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring is sufficient.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can also tolerate poor soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The hairy starwort is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and rust. Pests like aphids and spider mites can also infest the plant. Regular inspection and treatment with appropriate pesticides can help prevent these problems.
Habitat
Cerastium Diffusum is native to Europe and is commonly found in open meadows, woodland edges, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cerastium Diffusum a good ground cover plant?
A: Yes, the plant is an excellent ground cover plant and can be used to stabilize soil on slopes.
Q: Can Cerastium Diffusum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are well-drained and the plant is not overwatered.
Q: Is Cerastium Diffusum a perennial or an annual?
A: Cerastium Diffusum is a perennial plant.
Q: Can Cerastium Diffusum be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from cuttings taken in the spring.
Related Plants
- Cerastium Arvense
- Cerastium Fontanum
- Cerastium Holosteoides
- Cerastium Tomentosum
References
- “Cerastium Diffusum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 21 Sep. 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d341>.
- “Cerastium Diffusum.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 21 Sep. 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/30519/i-Cerastium-diffusum-i/Details>.
- “Cerastium Diffusum.” The Spruce. Accessed 21 Sep. 2021. <https://www.thespruce.com/hairy-starwort-plant-profile-4685285>.
