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Description
Cerastium Semidecandrum, commonly known as Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is a small herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 15 cm high and 30 cm wide. It is native to Europe and Asia but has been naturalized in North America and other parts of the world. It is a popular plant for rock gardens, borders, and ground covers due to its attractive appearance and easy care.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Cerastium |
Appearance
Cerastium Semidecandrum has a mat-forming growth habit with a dense cluster of small, oval-shaped leaves that are grayish-green in color. Its stems are thin and hairy, and it produces small white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers have five petals and are about 1 cm in diameter. The plant has a soft and velvety texture, which makes it a popular choice for gardens.
Care Guide
Cerastium Semidecandrum is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Cerastium Semidecandrum is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cerastium Semidecandrum is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally suffer from fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. These can be treated with fungicides. The plant may also be attacked by slugs and snails, which can be controlled with organic slug and snail baits.
Habitat
Cerastium Semidecandrum is native to Europe and Asia but has been naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America. It grows in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, meadows, and woodland edges. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cerastium Semidecandrum a good plant for rock gardens?
A: Yes, Cerastium Semidecandrum is a popular plant for rock gardens due to its mat-forming growth habit and attractive appearance.
Q: How often should I water Cerastium Semidecandrum?
A: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Cerastium Semidecandrum?
A: Cerastium Semidecandrum is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally suffer from fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust, as well as attacks from slugs and snails.
Q: Does Cerastium Semidecandrum attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, Cerastium Semidecandrum is an attractive plant for bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
- Cerastium alpinum
- Cerastium arvense
- Cerastium fontanum
- Cerastium tomentosum
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Cerastium Semidecandrum. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=284292&isprofile=0&basic=cerastium%20semidecandrum
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. (n.d.). Cerastium Semidecandrum. Retrieved from https://arboretum.wisc.edu/plants/?id=1491
