Alpine Mouse-ear (Cerastium alpinum)

Alpine Mouse-ear

Cerastium alpinum

Soft silver foliage glows like moonlit wool, cushioning tiny white blooms. Low-growing alpine perennial; common name: Alpine Mouse-ear.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates cool, exposed alpine conditions and light frost
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Watering Water moderately, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging in heavy clay soils
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C, prefers cool temperate to alpine temperatures; avoid prolonged heat above 25°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Silvery-grey, oblong to lanceolate, densely covered in fine white hairs for cold tolerance
  • Flower: Tiny five-petaled white blooms, clustered at stem tips
  • Stem: Slender, trailing, hairy, forming dense, low-growing mats
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to prevent excessive foliage growth that may reduce winter hardiness

Eggshell powder topdress:Sprinkle a thin layer of crushed eggshell powder on soil surface; avoid direct contact with foliage to prevent leaf burn
Pruning
  • Trim back spent flower stems after blooming to encourage tidy growth and potential re-blooming
  • Thin overcrowded mats in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
  • Remove any dead or discolored foliage to maintain a neat, compact form
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirms no toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Alpine rock garden ground cover, container trough displays, edging for cool climate borders