Mouse-ear Chickweed
cerastium brachypetalum
Also known as: ["Mouse-ear Chickweed","Lesser Mouse-ear Chickweed"]
Overview
A low-growing, mat-forming annual or short-lived perennial with small, white, star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["low maintenance","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Cerastium |
| Botanical Name: | Cerastium brachypetalum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or raised beds with good drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months to keep the plant compact.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate pruning; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates mild frosts but avoids extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; provide shade in hot climates.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly to avoid excessive growth; stop fertilizing in fall; apply in early morning or evening.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light and consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or 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
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or shear lightly to promote branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or damaged stems; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check for root rot; trim roots if necessary; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; ensure drainage; reduce winter watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water lightly and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in response to extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold or frost.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; avoid planting in areas prone to freezing temperatures.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity; water deeply but infrequently to avoid heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; water before fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they consume parts of Cerastium brachypetalum. The saponins in the plant can cause irritation to the digestive tract, but severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Cerastium brachypetalum can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of saponins. The effects are typically transient and resolve without long-term health consequences.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCerastium brachypetalum contains saponins which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to discomfort and is not considered life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cerastium brachypetalum toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How should I care for Cerastium brachypetalum?
A: It requires very low maintenance and is drought tolerant, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, making it a good choice for wildlife gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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