Common Whitlowgrass
cerastium fontanum
Also known as: ["Winter Whitlow-grass","Tuberous Whitlow-grass"]
Overview
A small, herbaceous annual or biennial plant with white, star-shaped flowers and narrow leaves, often found in disturbed soils and grasslands.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Cerastium |
| Botanical Name: | Cerastium fontanum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or containers in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control spread.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid direct midday sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base of the plant to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries between waterings; reduce watering in cooler months.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid waterlogged conditions; amend heavy soil with grit or compost.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates frost but may struggle in extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from late frosts; keep away from heat sources in indoor settings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to prevent leggy growth; stop feeding in late summer to encourage hardiness; water before fertilizing to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps. Stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not stressed.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid environment with bright, indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; plants can be transplanted after 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic bags or propagator for humidity.
Quick Tips
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or shear lightly to encourage branching. Remove dead or damaged foliage as needed.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Clean tools before use; prune after flowering; remove dead growth; shape lightly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, with a diameter 1–2 inches wider.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Cerastium fontanum prefers slightly crowded roots but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; trim roots if crowded; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; avoid wetting foliage; ensure drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water lightly and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Increase frequency during prolonged dry periods, but avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth but are generally tolerated. Prolonged freezing may damage foliage or cause root rot if soil is waterlogged.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil to prevent cold-induced root rot. Mulch lightly in winter to insulate roots. Move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop sharply.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering. Heat stress is more likely in full sun with inadequate water.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; water before and after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they ingest significant amounts of Cerastium fontanum. The saponins in the plant can cause irritation to the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Cerastium fontanum can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of saponins. While not typically life-threatening, ingestion in large amounts may cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCerastium fontanum, commonly known as white chickweed, contains saponins which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation when ingested in significant quantities. The plant is generally considered non-toxic in small amounts but can be problematic if consumed in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cerastium fontanum toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How does this plant grow?
A: It typically grows in disturbed soils and grasslands, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Does it require much care?
A: No, it is very low maintenance and tough, requiring minimal attention.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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