Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed, Fivestamen chickweed
Cerastium semidecandrum
Family: Caryophyllaceae
What it is like
Cerastium semidecandrum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Common in dry open habitats, especially on calcareous or sandy soils.
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanava south and west to N. Africa and W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young plant - cooked. Best used before it flowers.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
See the plants native habitat for ideas on its cultivation needs.
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.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist