Description
Cerastium –
There are about 100 species of annuals and mainly mat forming or tufted perennials, in this genus. They occur from temperate and arctic zones of Europe and North America. They generally are clothed in whitish hairs and bear tiny, star shaped white flowers with 5 petals, deeply indented or notched at the apex flowers, carried singly or in cymes. The leaves are usually simple, opposite, and smooth edged. Grown for their vigorous and mat forming habit. Grow at the front of a border, on a wall, in large rock gardens, or as a ground cover. Can be invasive.
Grow in any well drained soil in full sun. Foliage should, if possible, be kept dry both in winter and during humid summer weather. Divide in spring.
C. alpinum – Alpine Mouse-ear – This widely distributed matt or small hummock, hairy perennial from subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere produces hairy rounded leaves and in summer bears conspicuous white flowers, with broad petals purple lines in the throat, held singly or in twos or threes on short, erect stalks.
Zones 2-8
