Mouse-ear Chickweed (Cerastium fontanum)

Mouse-ear Chickweed

Cerastium fontanum

Soft, silvery foliage carpets ground like a fuzzy blanket. Low-growing perennial ground cover; common name: Mouse-ear Chickweed.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates cool, dry conditions and light shade in hot climates
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Watering Water deeply when top 2 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Hardy to -15℃; withstands light frost and cool summer temperatures
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Oval to lance-shaped, densely covered in silvery-white hairs, forming low rosettes
  • Flower: Tiny white five-petaled blooms, clustered at upright stem tips
  • Stem: Prostrate, trailing stems that root at nodes to spread horizontally
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil lightly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Light, diluted feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to promote flowering rather than excessive foliage growth

Banana peel tea:Soak chopped banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 for root drench to avoid nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Trim back spent flower stems to encourage extended blooming through early summer
  • Thin overcrowded mats to improve airflow and prevent fungal growth
  • Remove dead foliage in early spring to refresh the mat and promote new growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported health risks

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ground cover for rock gardens, border edges, and container trailing foliage