Chickweed, Common mouse-ear chickweed, Big chickweed
Cerastium fontanum
Family: Caryophyllaceae
What it is like
Cerastium fontanum is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Moist shaded situations, 1700 - 2800 metres in Srinagar. A cosmopolitan weed in China, where it grows at elevations up to 4300 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
Native to Europe but introduced elsewhere including Asia, Australia, China, Himalayas, Japan, Korea, Macquarie Island, Nepal, Pakistan, Taiwan, Tasmania, USA.
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves - raw or cooked. Leaves and young stems - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The subspecies C. fontanum grandiflorum is an annual, though subspecies C. fontanum vulgare is a short-lived perennial. It is likely to require a moist soil in light shade.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring might be possible.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Annual/Perennial
Hardiness: 5-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
This plant can be weedy or invasive.
Its other names
Local names
Common mouse-ear chickweed, Mouse-ear chickweed, Common mouse-ear, or Starweed, Xi quan juan er.