Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed
Cerastium holosteoides
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Pl. F3B5 — Cerastium holosteoides
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IOverview
Overview
Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed, scientifically known as Cerastium holosteoides, is a hardy plant found across Europe, Asia, and some parts of Africa. Native to Afghanistan, Albania, and other regions, it has spread widely due to its adaptability. This low-growing forb or herb typically reaches heights of 0.3 meters and thrives in moist conditions with light soil types—ranging from sandy to heavy clay. It prefers full sun and is both an annual and perennial, making it a versatile plant for various environments. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, this chickweed can be enjoyed as part of the diet or used in ornamental gardens due to its distinctive appearance.
Quick answers
What is Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed?
Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed, scientifically known as Cerastium holosteoides, is a hardy plant found across Europe, Asia, and some parts of Africa. Native to Afghanistan, Albania, and other regions, it has spread widely due to its adaptability.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It can grow as an annual or perennial and reaches a height of about 0.3 meters. This forb/herb grows well in temperate regions and has a native range including Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, and other parts of Europe and Asia. For best results, propagate via seeds or cuttings. Harvest the leaves and shoots for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed for the first time
8steps
Start with Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed for a simple and rewarding gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, small pots if starting indoors.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in late summer for fall harvests.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in the garden bed or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist. Thin plants to about 30 cm apart once they have their first true leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base for moisture retention and weed control.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune plants to encourage bushy growth and prevent them from becoming leggy. Harvest young leaves and shoots as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to thin seedlings, not providing enough light, and allowing the plant to become overcrowded.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Its leaves and shoots are commonly consumed, often added to salads for a mild flavor or used in soups and stews to enhance their taste.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe15 regions
native (15)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryPortugalRussiaSpainUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaIranIraq
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · f3b5e9c6-e21f-4429-9961-3dc6c8c393f2
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