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Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed

Cerastium semidecandrum
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Cerastium semidecandrum (Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed) — botanical photograph
Pl. 45BE — Cerastium semidecandrum
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Overview

Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed, scientifically known as Cerastium semidecandrum, is an annual forb or herb that thrives in a variety of European and Asian habitats including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, and many other regions listed. Native to Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria among others, this plant has spread widely across Europe and parts of Asia. It prefers moist conditions, light to medium soil types, and full sun exposure. Known for its edible leaves, Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed can reach a height of 0.2 meters and is distinguished by its small white flowers with prominent stamens.

Quick answers

What is Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed?

Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed, scientifically known as Cerastium semidecandrum, is an annual forb or herb that thrives in a variety of European and Asian habitats including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, and many other regions listed.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This annual plant grows to a height of 0.2 meters and can be propagated through seeds. It is hardy in temperate regions and is native to many parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Skip mulching as it may retain too much moisture.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is November
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers

How to grow Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed for the first time

8steps

Start with Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or seedlings of Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in late summer for a fall harvest.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with full sun. Prepare soil that is light, medium, or heavy but well-draining.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in rows 30-45 cm apart. Alternatively, start indoors and transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during germination. Thin plants to about 20-30 cm apart once established.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially in dry periods. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune back the plant after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to thin seedlings.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are typically added to salads for a mild flavor or used in soups and stews to enhance the dish with their delicate taste.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

47 native · 46 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 47 native· 46 introduced
Europe26 regions
native (23)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
introduced (3)BelarusRussiaUkraine
Asia8 regions
native (7)AfghanistanIranIraqKazakhstanTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
introduced (1)Georgia
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Kirgizstan, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
introduced:Alabama, Arkansas, Baltic States, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, British Columbia, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tasmania, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Cerastium semidecandrum (Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed) — botanical photograph
Little Mouse-Ear Chickweed (Cerastium semidecandrum)
XI

Explore further

XII

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