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Cerastium furcatum

Cerastium furcatum
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibleperennialedibleedible leafherbnative asiaperennial
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Cerastium furcatum (Cerastium furcatum) — botanical photograph
Pl. B323 — Cerastium furcatum
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Overview

Cerastium furcatum, commonly known as Buryat mouse-ear chickweed, is a perennial plant native to regions including Buryatiya, China, Japan, Korea, and other parts of Eastern Asia. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist conditions with soil types ranging from light (sandy) to medium and heavy (clay). Growing up to 0.5 meters tall, Cerastium furcatum is notable for its edible leaves, which can be eaten raw or cooked and are commonly prepared by boiling to add to soups or stews, enhancing the dish with their mild flavor. Its adaptability to diverse habitats across Siberia and East Asia makes it a valuable addition to the diet in its native range. While not traditionally used for medicinal purposes, its edible parts make it a useful plant for foragers and gardeners alike.

Quick answers

What is Cerastium furcatum?

Cerastium furcatum, commonly known as Buryat mouse-ear chickweed, is a perennial plant native to regions including Buryatiya, China, Japan, Korea, and other parts of Eastern Asia. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist conditions with soil types ranging from light (sandy) to medium and heavy (clay).

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Cerastium furcatum thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial grows to about 0.5 meters tall and can be propagated through seeds or division. It is hardy in temperate regions and is native to areas including Buryatiya, China, Japan, Korea, and other parts of Eastern Asia. The edible leaves can be harvested for use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Cerastium furcatum for the first time

7steps

Start with planting Cerastium furcatum in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Cerastium furcatum seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring after the last frost or in late summer for fall blooms.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with well-draining soil. Amend heavy clay soils with sand if necessary.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep, spacing them about 15 cm apart. Transplant young plants in the same distance.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun exposure and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune back after flowering to maintain a neat appearance and promote new growth.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Cerastium furcatum are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are commonly prepared by boiling to add to soups or stews, enhancing the dish with their mild flavor.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

15 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 15 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanMongoliaSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Buryatiya, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Magadan, Primorye, Sakhalin, Yakutskiya
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Cerastium furcatum (Cerastium furcatum) — botanical photograph
Cerastium furcatum (Cerastium furcatum)
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Explore further

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About this entry

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