Smooth Rupturewort (Herniaria glabra)

Smooth Rupturewort

Herniaria glabra

Low-growing mat of tiny leaves, a soft green ground cover for rock gardens. Evergreen herbaceous perennial; common names: smooth rupturewort, green carpet.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates hot, dry conditions once established; avoids dense, deep shade
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Watering Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; highly drought-tolerant once rooted; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; withstands summer heat up to 35°C with adequate drainage; no frost damage in mild winter regions
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Tiny, oval, bright green, opposite arrangement, succulent texture
  • Flower: Inconspicuous, greenish-white, clustered in leaf axils
  • Stem: Slender, creeping, rooting at nodes to form dense, spreading mats
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Care Guide

Watering

Water deeply once weekly during extended dry spells

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to prevent excessive foliage growth that disrupts mat form

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly over soil surface; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent fungal growth
Pruning
  • Trim back overgrown or straggling mats in early spring to maintain compact form
  • Remove dead foliage in late winter to improve airflow and new growth
  • Thin dense patches in humid climates to reduce mold and mildew risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-confirmed 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, between pavers, and slope erosion control