Contents
Description
Cerastium Pauciflorum, commonly known as Few-Flowered Mouse-Ear Chickweed, is a small, herbaceous plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to the coastal regions of western North America, from Alaska to California, and can be found in rocky areas, meadows, and alpine regions.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Cerastium |
Appearance
Cerastium Pauciflorum is a small, mat-forming perennial herb that grows up to 10 cm tall. Its leaves are simple, linear, and grayish-green in color, measuring about 1 cm long. The flowers are white, with five petals deeply cleft, and bloom from May to August. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Cerastium Pauciflorum is a low maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water regularly, but do not overwater. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
- Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Grows well in well-draining, nutrient-rich soils.
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Can be grown in USDA zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cerastium Pauciflorum is generally not affected by pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot if overwatered. Aphids and spider mites may also infest the plant, but can be easily controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Cerastium Pauciflorum is native to the coastal regions of western North America, from Alaska to California. It can be found in rocky areas, meadows, and alpine regions, and grows well in well-draining soils with plenty of sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cerastium Pauciflorum an annual or perennial plant?
A: Cerastium Pauciflorum is a perennial plant.
Q: Can Cerastium Pauciflorum tolerate drought?
A: Cerastium Pauciflorum is moderately drought-tolerant, but will perform best with regular watering.
Q: How often should I fertilize Cerastium Pauciflorum?
A: Fertilize Cerastium Pauciflorum once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Cerastium Pauciflorum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Cerastium Pauciflorum can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives plenty of sunlight.
Related Plants
- Cerastium Arvense
- Cerastium Fontanum
- Cerastium Glomeratum
- Cerastium Holosteoides
References
- USDA Plants Database. (2021). Cerastium Pauciflorum. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CEPA19
- Northwest Native Plant Guide. (n.d.). Cerastium Pauciflorum. Retrieved from https://www.nwplants.com/business/catalog/cer_pau.html
- Washington Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Cerastium Pauciflorum. Retrieved from https://www.wnps.org/native-plant-directory/183-cerastium-pauciflorum
