Family: Caryophyllaceae
Author: Raf.
Bibliography: Précis Découv. Somiol.: 36 (1814)
Year: 1814
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cerastium
Vegetable: False
Observations: N. America to Guatemala, W. South America
Description
Nodding chickweed, scientifically known as Cerastium nutans, is a distinctive plant species that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. As a flora native to a broad geographical region extending from North America to Guatemala and further west into South America, this plant exhibits a notable adaptability to various habitats.
Discovered and recorded in 1814 by the renowned botanist Rafinesque, Nodding chickweed has been studied for its unique characteristics and ecological significance. The plant’s scientific documentation appeared in the publication “Précis Découv. Somiol.” on page 36, which detailed its discovery and key attributes.
Cerastium nutans is easily recognized by its nodding or drooping posture of the flowering stems, which gives the plant its common name. It typically thrives in a variety of environmental settings, indicating a versatile survival strategy amidst differing climates and soil types. As a member of the Caryophyllaceae family, known for its herbaceous plants, nodding chickweed shares many familial traits including opposite leaves and often white, small, star-shaped flowers.
Ecologically, Nodding chickweed plays a significant role in its native regions. It contributes to the biodiversity of the ecosystems, supporting various insect populations which are attracted to its nectar. This mutual relationship aids in the plant’s pollination while providing nourishment for the pollinators.
The widespread presence of Cerastium nutans from North America to the Western parts of South America highlights its evolutionary success and adaptability. It serves as a fascinating subject for further botanical studies, particularly in understanding how plants proliferate across diverse environmental landscapes.
In summary, Nodding chickweed (Cerastium nutans) is a remarkable and adaptable plant with extensive natural distribution. Its historical discovery by Rafinesque in the early 19th century has laid the groundwork for ongoing botanical research and appreciation of this versatile species.
Common Names
Eng: common chickweed, longstem chickweed, nodding chickweed, nodding mouse-ear chickweed, long-stalked chickweed
Fra: céraiste penché
En: Nodding chickweed, Nodding Mouse-Ear Chickweed, COMMON CHICKWEED, LONGSTEM CHICKWEED, Long-stalked chickweed
Fr: Céraiste penché
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Peru (native)
- Québec (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yukon (native)
- Northwest European R (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3085482)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30043747-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cerastium nutans Raf.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb