Cerastium

Cerastium arvense - Acker-Hornkraut Detail

Cerastium uniflorum

Cerastium tolucense.jpg

[[File:Cerastium]|thumb|Cerastium|right]]] Cerastium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, commonly known as mouse-ear chickweed. The genus includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants. Cerastium species are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America.

Description

Cerastium plants typically have small, white, star-shaped flowers with five deeply notched petals. The leaves are usually opposite, simple, and covered with fine hairs, giving them a soft texture. The stems are also hairy and can be either erect or sprawling. The fruit is a capsule that splits open to release numerous small seeds.

Habitat

Cerastium species are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, woodlands, and rocky areas. They are often considered weeds in gardens and agricultural fields due to their ability to spread rapidly.

Notable Species

• Cerastium arvense - Field mouse-ear chickweed
• Cerastium fontanum - Common mouse-ear chickweed
• Cerastium tomentosum - Snow-in-summer

Uses

Some species of Cerastium are cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens for their attractive flowers and ground-covering ability. They are also used in rock gardens and as edging plants.

Ecology

Cerastium species serve as food plants for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the mouse moth. They are also visited by various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Cultivation

Cerastium plants prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and are relatively low-maintenance. Propagation is typically done through seed or division.

Control

In agricultural settings, Cerastium species can be controlled through regular weeding, mulching, and the use of herbicides. In gardens, they can be managed by maintaining healthy, competitive plant communities and removing unwanted plants before they set seed.

Gallery

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  Cerastium arvense

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  Cerastium fontanum

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  Cerastium tomentosum

See also

• Caryophyllaceae
• Lepidoptera
• Weed control