Alpine pearlwort (Sagina saginoides, Deut. Fl.: 539 (1882))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: (L.) H.Karst.

Bibliography: Deut. Fl.: 539 (1882)

Year: 1882

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sagina

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Northern Hemisphere to Mexico and Jawa

Description

Alpine pearlwort, scientifically known as Sagina saginoides, is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family. This hardy perennial plant has garnered interest from botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for its unique adaptability and widespread distribution.

Originally classified in Deuter Fl. 539 (1882) by the botanist (L.) H.Karst., Alpine pearlwort is recognized for its ability to thrive in a variety of environments across the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Its range extends from the cooler climates found in northern regions to more temperate areas as far afield as Mexico and even the island of Java. This broad geographic spread highlights the plant’s remarkable versatility and resilience.

Alpine pearlwort is often found in alpine and subalpine habitats, where it forms low-growing mats or tufts. Its ability to adapt to different soil types and its tolerance for both sunny and partially shaded areas contribute to its wide distribution. The plant’s delicate, needle-like leaves and small, white flowers add a subtle yet charming aspect to the rugged landscapes it inhabits.

Despite its seemingly delicate appearance, Alpine pearlwort is a robust species that can withstand harsh conditions, from frigid temperatures to variable moisture levels. Its presence in such a diverse array of habitats makes it a subject of study for understanding plant survival and adaptability in extreme environments.

Overall, Alpine pearlwort (Sagina saginoides) is a fascinating species that exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of the Caryophyllaceae family. Whether nestled among rocky outcrops in mountainous regions or gracing temperate shores, this plant continues to thrive and intrigue those who study and encounter it.

Common Names

Deu: alpen-mastkraut
Lit: tikroji žemenė
Eng: alpine pearlwort, arctic pearlwort
Sme: duottarsárremas
Fra: sagine des alpes, sagine fausse-sagine
Nno: seterarve, setersmåarve
Nob: seterarve, setersmåarve
Swe: stennarv
Cym: corwlyddyn alpaidd, corwlyddyn y mynydd, troellig mynawydaidd esmwyth
En: Alpine pearlwort, Arctic pearlwort
Fr: Sagine des Alpes, Sagine fausse-sagine, Sagine de Linné
De: Alpen-Mastkraut
It: Sagina delle Alpi
Lt: Tikroji žemenė
Se: Duottarsárremas
Nb: Seterarve, Setersmåarve
Nn: Seterarve, Setersmåarve
Sv: Stennarv
Cy: Corwlyddyn Alpaidd, Corwlyddyn y Mynydd, Troellig Mynawydaidd Esmwyth

Synonyms

• Phaloe saginoides ((L.) Dumort.)
• Spergula saginoides (L.)
• Sagina nevadensis var. gredensis (Rivas Mateos)
• Sagina saginoides var. glandulosa ((Lange ex Willk.) Thell.)
• Alsinella saginoides ((L.) Greene)
• Sagina linnaei var. glandulosa (Lange ex Willk.)
• Spergella saginoides ((L.) Rchb.)
• Sagina linnaei (C.Presl)
• Alsine saginoides ((L.) Crantz)
• Sagina linnaei var. nevadensis ((Boiss. & Reut.) Rouy & Foucaud)
• Spergella saginoides var. brachypoda (Cadevall)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Alaska (native)
• Albania (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Altay (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Austria (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• California (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• India (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Montana (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Québec (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Utah (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Joan Simon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Joan Simon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Joan Simon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Joan Simon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Joan Simon (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 1984 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 14, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 14, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7952995)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:156521-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sagina saginoides (L.) H.Karst.)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Crown

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 6.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 4