Family: Caryophyllaceae
Author: Clairv.
Bibliography: Man. Herbor. Suisse: 147 (1811)
Year: 1811
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cerastium
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & SC. Europe (Mts.)
Description
The One-flowered mouse-ear, scientifically named Cerastium uniflorum, is a fascinating and delicate member of the Caryophyllaceae family. This plant is predominantly found in the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Europe, where it thrives in its natural habitat.
Notable for its singular, charming flower, Cerastium uniflorum captures the interest of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. The genus Cerastium encompasses a wide variety of species commonly known as chickweeds or mouse-ears, but the One-flowered mouse-ear stands out with its unique floral characteristic, signifying both its name and its survival strategy in the often harsh mountain climates.
The original classification and description of this species are deeply rooted in historical botanical literature, with its formal introduction into scientific documentation occurring in 1811, as detailed in the “Manuel de l’herboriste de la Suisse.” The meticulous work of the botanist Clairv. contributed significantly to our understanding and appreciation of this particular plant.
As part of the Caryophyllaceae family, Cerastium uniflorum shares a lineage with various other herbaceous plants which typically exhibit a similar structure; they have opposite leaves and showcase five-petaled flowers with a characteristic star-like arrangement. The One-flowered mouse-ear can be a telling indicator of the ecological conditions of its mountainous environment, often found in rocky substrates and alpine meadows where it adds a delicate yet persistent touch of life amidst the rugged terrain.
Studying and preserving plants like the One-flowered mouse-ear is crucial for biodiversity and understanding the intricate web of life that sustains various ecosystems. Its presence and survival strategies offer valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability of mountain flora, reflecting broader environmental health and stability.
Common Names
Deu: einblütiges hornkraut
En: One-flowered Mouse-ear
Fr: Céraiste à fleurs solitaires, Céraiste à une fleur, Céraiste des glaciers, Céraiste uniflore
De: Einblütiges Hornkraut
It: Peverina dei ghiaioni
: One-flowered mouse-ear
Synonyms
- Cerastium latifolium subsp. uniflorum ((Clairv.) Dostál)
Distribution
- Austria (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Italy (native)
- Poland (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jul 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 31, 2019 by Vincenc J (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2020 by francori (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2020 by Clara Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 10, 2021 by Vincenc J (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 18, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2020 by Clara Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 21, 2008 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 2, 2020 by Meister Martin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Alla Mashanova (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2019 by Andrea (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8092175)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:152737-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cerastium uniflorum Clairv.)
Specifications
Growth
Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]