Family: Urticaceae
Author: (Req.) Dandy
Bibliography: Feddes Repert. 70: 4 (1965)
Year: 1965
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Soleirolia
Vegetable: False
Observations: WC. Medit.
Description
Corsican carpet, scientifically known as Soleirolia soleirolii, is a distinctive and thriving member of the Urticaceae family. It is prized for its lush, dense growth and ability to form a continuous green carpet, making it an ideal groundcover in gardens and landscapes. The plant was detailed in literature as early as 1965 in “Feddes Repertorium,” indicating its long-standing recognition and use within botanical circles.
Description:
Corsican carpet is notable for its small, round leaves that form tight clusters, creating a soft, moss-like appearance. Each leaf is delicate yet resilient, contributing to the plant’s ability to cover surfaces effectively. Its stems spread laterally, rooting at nodes to produce new plants, which aids in its rapid and extensive coverage.
Habitat:
This plant is native to the Western Mediterranean region, where it thrives in moist, shaded environments. Its natural habitat includes rocky outcrops and well-draining soils, often found under the canopy of taller flora which provides dappled sunlight—a condition it prefers when cultivated in gardens.
Cultivation:
Gardeners appreciate Corsican carpet for its versatility and ease of growth. It is an excellent choice for filling in gaps between stepping stones, as an alternative to traditional lawns in shaded areas, or for adding greenery to container gardens and terrariums. While it prefers shady and moderately cool conditions with regular watering, it can tolerate short periods of dryness once established. To ensure a healthy, vibrant carpet, it is essential to provide well-draining soil and avoid waterlogging.
Uses:
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Soleirolia soleirolii is often used in decorative applications within both private and public gardens. It is an effective ground cover that can suppress weeds and stabilize soil. Additionally, its soft texture makes it an attractive choice for spaces where people might casually walk or sit.
Care and Maintenance:
Corsican carpet is relatively low-maintenance, though it benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells. Pruning may occasionally be necessary to maintain its shape and prevent overgrowth into undesired areas. As a member of the Urticaceae family, it generally remains pest-free, although it is always wise to monitor for any signs of distress or pest activity.
Conclusion:
Corsican carpet (Soleirolia soleirolii) stands out as a versatile, charming addition to many garden settings, providing continuous green coverage with minimal maintenance. Ideal for shaded, moist environments, it offers both aesthetic and functional benefits to gardeners seeking an alternative to traditional groundcovers. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its adaptability and visual appeal in a wide range of horticultural applications.
Common Names
Deu: bubiköpfchen, helxine
Eng: corsican carpet, corsican-curse, irish-moss, japanese-moss, mind-your-own-business, mother of thousands, angel’s-tears, artillery-plant, baby’s-tears, babytears, pollyanna-vine
Fra: helxine de soleirol
Dan: husfred
Spa: ratonera enana
Swe: hemtrevnad
Por: lágrimas-de-anjo, lágrimas-de-bebé, não-te-metas-na-minha-vida
Nld: slaapkamergeluk
Cym: mam miloedd
En: Corsican carpet, Corsican-curse, Irish-moss, Baby’s-tears, Babytears, Pollyanna-vine, Artillery-plant, Mind-your-own-business, Angel’s-tears, Japanese-moss, Mother of thousands, Helxine, Mother-of-thousands
Ca: Soleiròlia
Da: Husfred
Nl: Slaapkamergeluk
Fr: Helxine de Soleirol, Soleirole de Soleirol
De: Helxine, Bubiköpfchen
It: Vetriola di Soleirol
Pt: Lágrimas-de-anjo, Lágrimas-de-bebé, Não-te-metas-na-minha-vida
Es: Ratonera enana, Lágrimas de ángel
Sv: Hemtrevnad
Cy: Mam Miloedd
Synonyms
- Parietaria repens (Soleirol ex Mutel)
- Parietaria soleirolii ((Req.) Spreng.)
- Soleirolia corsica (Gaudich.)
- Helxine soleirolii (Req.)
- Parietaria cretica (Moris)
- Soleirolia repens (Kuntze)
Distribution
- Baleares (native)
- Corse (native)
- Italy (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Austria (introduced)
- Azores (introduced)
- Belgium (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Chile Central (introduced)
- Chile South (introduced)
- Colombia (introduced)
- Denmark (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Ireland (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Mexico Northwest (introduced)
- Netherlands (introduced)
- Peru (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
- Tubuai Is. (introduced)
- Yugoslavia (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 20, 2020 by García Martínez Ángel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2019 by Людмила Людмила (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2019 by Oliver Miguel Angel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2019 by daniel Marechal (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Dec 14, 2021 by Rémuzat Simon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2020 by silvia darocha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Villien Philippe (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Dec 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken May 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 19, 2020 by lozano mario (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2020 by Sabaté Sant Jordi (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Nov 14, 2021 by E. N. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 2, 2011 by EOL − Dean Wm. Taylor (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 5, 2007 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2021 by Colette Dorion (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2019 by Adeline Vasseur (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 30, 2022 by camille LOPITAUX (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:856545-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2984366)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Soleirolia soleirolii (Req.) Dandy)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 6.5
Light: 3
Atmospheric humidity: 7
Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]
Soil nutriments: 5