Mountain sandwort (Arenaria montana, Cent. Pl. I: 12 (1755))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Cent. Pl. I: 12 (1755)

Year: 1755

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Arenaria

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Iberian Pen. to C. & NW. France, N. Morocco

Description

Mountain sandwort, scientifically known as Arenaria montana, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1755, the Mountain sandwort is distinguished by its pristine white blossoms and its preference for rocky terrains and sandy soils.

Native primarily to the Iberian Peninsula, extending through Central and Northwestern France and reaching into Northern Morocco, Arenaria montana flourishes in these regions’ temperate climates. This geographical spread indicates the plant’s adaptability to various environmental conditions but always within the confines of its preferred habitats—mountainous and rocky areas where it thrives.

Mountain sandwort forms dense, mat-like clusters, making it an ideal choice for rock gardens and as ground cover in ornamental gardening. The plant’s delicate white flowers, which bloom prolifically in late spring to early summer, provide a striking visual contrast to the greenery that surrounds them. Each flower is small yet perfectly structured, contributing to the plant’s overall aesthetic appeal.

The foliage of Arenaria montana is equally noteworthy. The leaves are lance-shaped, evergreen, and somewhat succulent, which helps the plant retain moisture in its typically arid, rocky habitats. This morphological adaptation highlights the plant’s resilience and ability to conserve water, a crucial trait for survival in its native environments.

In addition to its visual appeal, Arenaria montana plays an important ecological role in its native regions, providing ground cover that helps prevent soil erosion and supports the habitat’s biodiversity.

For horticulturists and botanists, Mountain sandwort is a subject of interest not only for its beauty and adaptability but also for its historical context in plant taxonomy, dating back to the 18th century. Its inclusion in Linnaeus’s “Cent. Pl.” emphasizes its long-standing recognition and classification within the botanical community.

Overall, Mountain sandwort (Arenaria montana) stands out as a resilient and attractive plant, appreciated both in natural landscapes and cultivated gardens. It exemplifies the beauty and endurance of flora that thrive in challenging environments, continuing to capture the interest and admiration of plant enthusiasts worldwide.

Common Names

Eng: mountain sandwort
Swe: bergnarv
Cym: tywodlys y mynydd
En: Mountain sandwort, Mountain Sandwort [Arenaria montana]
Ca: Arenària muntanyenca
Zh: 高山无心菜
Fi: Vuoriarho
Fr: Sabline des montagnes
De: Berg-Sandkraut, Weißes Großblütensandkraut
Es: Arenaria
Sv: Bergnarv
Zh-tw: 高山無心菜
Cy: Tywodlys y mynydd

Synonyms

• Alsinanthus montanus ((L.) Desv.)
• Willwebera montana ((L.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Apr 14, 2021 by Julián Díaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2021 by Julián Díaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2020 by Verónica Rodríguez Vicente (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2018 by Ruli Xxxxxx (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2019 by Aurélie Champy (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2022 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2020 by Pako Muñoz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2017 by Pablo de la Fuente (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 7, 2020 by Guy Duyckaerts (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Lisa K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 20, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2015 by Tela Botanica − remy michael (cc-by-sa)

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

Bark

Taken May 7, 2018 by nacho sanchez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2021 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

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

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:151459-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6363863)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Arenaria montana L.)

Specifications

Growth