Cerastium diffusum
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Cerastium diffusum

Fourstamen chickweed · Sea Mouse-ear · Dark-Green Mouse-Ear · Sea mouse-ear chickweed

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–35 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 5–9
Click count
43
Observations
91

Description

Source: leafsnap

Cerastium diffusum, the fourstamen chickweed or sea mouse-ear, is a species of flowering plant in the pink and carnation family Caryophyllaceae. It is an annual herb, to 30 cm.high, occurring in western Europe and northern Africa. Found mainly in coastal areas of Algeria, the Baleares, Belgium, Corsica, Denmark, France, the Faroe Islands, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sardinia, Sicily, Spain and Sweden. The flowers have 4, (or seldom 5) petals, 4 or 5 stamens appearing between March and May. The petals are much shorter than the sepals. The leaves are opposite, (sessile) without petioles and the sepals and bracts are all green, without pale margins. The fruit petioles are erect and diffuse at maturity.: 490 : 52 There are 2 known Infraspecifics; Cerastium diffusum subsp. diffusum Cerastium diffusum subsp. gussonei (Tod. ex Lojac.) P.D.Sell & WhiteheadIt was first published in Synopsis plantarum 1 on page 520 in 1805.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Sea mouse-ear is native to coastal areas and flourishes in environments with moderate moisture levels. It grows best in soil that remains consistently moist without becoming waterlogged and typically requires weekly watering. Its strong root system efficiently utilizes water, showcasing its ability to adapt to both wet and slightly drier conditions.

☀️ Light Full sun

Sea mouse-ear is a sun-loving, perennial herbaceous plant native to open habitats and commonly found in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial sun conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Sea mouse-ear can tolerate a broad range of temperatures, but its distribution can still be restricted by specific combinations of moisture and heat. It performs best in warm summer conditions with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended stretches of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, raise the likelihood of Sea mouse-ear dying. In winter, proper protection from cold can improve the plant's chances of survival.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

Typically, a single fertilizer application in spring is adequate for Sea mouse-ear, though additional feedings can boost growth to its fullest. Fertilize every month to every month and a half. Fertilization improves the leaves' appearance and function, maintaining uniform color and a healthy texture. It also encourages root development and enhances nutrient uptake for lasting plant health.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The sea mouse-ear plant benefits from selective pruning, ideally done from early to late spring to remove any dead stems. Light pruning encourages growth and reduces the risk of disease. Trimming spent flowers regularly helps promote continuous blooming. Be sure to always use clean, sharp tools to maintain the plant's health and vigor.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Cerastium
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-9
Mature Height
5 cm to 15 cm
Mature Spread
10 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Light Green, Gray
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
Bloom Time
Spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Tags (6)

Common Names (4)

en Fourstamen chickweed
en Sea Mouse-ear
en Dark-Green Mouse-Ear
en Sea mouse-ear chickweed