Mossy sandwort (Moehringia muscosa, Sp. Pl.: 359 (1753))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 359 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Moehringia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mts. of C. & S. Europe

Description

Mossy sandwort, scientifically known as Moehringia muscosa, is a charming plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. First described by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this species boasts a rich botanical history.

Native to the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Europe, mossy sandwort thrives in these elevated terrains, adapting well to the cooler and often rocky environments. Its ability to grow in such habitats highlights the plant’s resilience and specialized ecological niche.

The plant typically forms dense, moss-like mats, which likely inspired its common name. These mats are composed of delicate, yet sturdy, green stems and leaves that can create a lush, ground-covering effect. This moss-like appearance not only adds aesthetic value to natural landscapes but also plays a crucial role in soil stabilization in its native mountainous regions.

Moehringia muscosa is an interesting subject for both botanists and horticulturists alike, offering insights into plant adaptation and survival in challenging environments. Its unique characteristics and resilience make it an appealing choice for rock gardens and other ornamental plantings where such traits are desirable.

Overall, mossy sandwort stands as a testament to the intricate beauty and adaptability of plants within the Caryophyllaceae family, serving both ecological functions in its native habitat and aesthetic roles in cultivation.

Common Names

Deu: moos-nabelmiere
Swe: mossnarv
En: Mossy Sandwort
Ca: Arenària prima
Nl: Mosmuur
Fr: Sabline des mousses, Moehringie des mousses, Moehringie mousse
De: Moos-Nabelmiere, Lärchenblättrige Miere
It: Moehringia muscosa, Minuartia a foglie di larice
Sv: Mossnarv
: Mossy sandwort

Synonyms

• Alsine muscosa ((L.) Prantl)
• Moehringia muscosa var. filifolia (Beck)
• Moehringia muscosa var. sperguloides (P.Fourn.)
• Moehringia muscosa var. catalaunica (Sennen & Pau)
• Moehringia muscosa var. pentandra (Amo)
• Moehringia flaccida (Schloss. & Vuk.)
• Arenaria muscosa ((L.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Moehringia muscosa f. longipetala (Sigunov)
• Stellaria muscosa ((L.) Jess.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Vanni Aizza (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2020 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by Muge 57 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 14, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Laurent PETIT (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Bark

Taken Jun 8, 2017 by Alejandro Núñez Carbajal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2017 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7267358)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:155738-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Moehringia muscosa L.)

Specifications

Growth