Mountain chickweed (Cerastium cerastoides, Britton. (1894). In: Mém. Torr. Bot. Club 5: 150.)

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: (L.) Britton

Bibliography: Britton. (1894). In: Mém. Torr. Bot. Club 5: 150.

Year: Unknown

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cerastium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Unknown

Description

Mountain chickweed, known scientifically as Cerastium cerastoides, is a perennial plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family.

This hardy species is well-adapted to mountainous and alpine environments, thriving in rocky terrains where other plants struggle to survive. The mountain chickweed typically features small, white flowers which bloom throughout the warmer months, and its delicate petals stand out vividly against the often stark, rugged landscapes it inhabits.

First documented by Britton in 1894 in the notable botanical publication, the Mém. Torr. Bot. Club, Cerastium cerastoides has drawn the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Although detailed observational data about this species is relatively sparse, its significant presence in high-altitude regions indicates its resilience and adaptive capabilities.

The mountain chickweed’s leaves are characteristically small and typically covered in fine hairs, a feature that provides some protection against the harsh climatic conditions it often endures. This plant is not only a fascinating subject for study due to its tenacity and adaptability but also presents ecological importance within its native habitats, contributing to the biodiversity of alpine and subalpine ecosystems.

Interest in Cerastium cerastoides continues as researchers seek to uncover more about its life cycle, reproductive strategies, and potential uses in both ecological conservation and horticulture.

Common Names

Deu: dreigriffeliges hornkraut, dreigriffliges hornkraut
Eng: mountain chickweed, starwort mouse-ear, starwort chickweed, starwort mouse-ear chickweed
Nor: fjellsterne
Fra: céraiste à trois styles, céraiste faux-céraiste
Sme: jassasáhpánrássi
Swe: lapparv
Cym: clust-y-llygoden y mynydd, tafod yr edn mynyddig
En: Mountain chickweed, Starwort Mouse-ear, Starwort chickweed, Starwort mouse-ear chickweed
Bg: Тристълбчест рожец
Ca: Cerasti trigin
Zh: 六齿卷耳
Fi: Lumihärkki
Fr: Céraiste à trois styles, Céraiste faux-céraiste, Stellaire faux céraiste, Céraiste faux céraiste
De: Dreigriffeliges Hornkraut, Dreigriffliges Hornkraut
Is: Lækjafræhyrna
It: Peverina a tre stimmi
Se: Jassasáhpánrássi
No: Brearve, Fjellsterne
Sv: Lapparv
Cy: Clust-y-llygoden y mynydd, Tafod yr Edn Mynyddig

Synonyms

Distribution

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Teresa Haber (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 9, 2020 by Marc Waterlot (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2021 by Prieta Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2021 by Prieta Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 9, 2020 by Marc Waterlot (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

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

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6364299)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cerastium cerastoides (L.) Britton)

Specifications

Growth