Perennial knawel (Scleranthus perennis, Sp. Pl.: 406 (1753))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 406 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Scleranthus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Madeira, Europe to Transcaucasus

Description

Perennial knawel, scientifically known as Scleranthus perennis, is a notable member of the Caryophyllaceae family. First documented in 1753, its botanical significance has been well-recognized through extensive studies and observations since its classification by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus.

This resilient plant thrives across diverse regions, from the picturesque islands of Madeira to the expansive landscapes of Europe, extending its reach to the rich, historical territories of Transcaucasus. The wide geographical distribution of perennial knawel underscores its adaptability and the versatile ecological roles it plays in various habitats.

Perennial knawel is distinguished by its dense tufts of small, greenish, needle-like leaves. These are characteristic of the Caryophyllaceae family, often aiding in identification. The plant’s hardy nature allows it to flourish in both dry, sandy soils and more temperate environments, making it a common sight in a variety of ecological settings.

The modest yet resilient perennial knawel holds a unique position within botany and horticulture. Its presence across a broad swath of regions reflects not only its adaptability but also an ecological and biological intricacy worth appreciating in the study and conservation of plant species.

Common Names

Deu: ausdauernder knäuel
Dan: flerårig knavel
Eng: perennial knawel
Nld: overblijvende hardbloem
Fra: scléranthe vivace, gnavelle vivace
Swe: vitknavel
Cym: dinodd barhaol, dinodd parhaol
En: Perennial knawel
Hy: Կնճռուկ բազմամյա
Be: Галадок шматгадовы
Bg: Обикновена хрущялка
Cs: Chmerek vytrvalý
Da: Flerårig knavel
Nl: Overblijvende hardbloem
Et: Hall kaderohi
Fi: Vaaleajäsenruoho
Fr: Scléranthe vivace, Gnavelle vivace
De: Ausdauernder Knäuel, Ausdauerndes Knäuelkraut
Hu: Évelő szikárka
It: Centograni perenne
Lt: Daugiametė klėstenė
Pl: Czerwiec trwały
Sk: Sklerant trváci
Sv: Vitknavel
Cy: Dinodd parhaol, Dinodd Barhaol

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

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 May 21, 2022 by Cardanel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2020 by Colette Dorion (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2020 by Colette Dorion (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2020 by Colette Dorion (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2020 by Colette Dorion (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 5, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Catherine MAHYEUX (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 18, 2021 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2019 by Sandrine Chaneac (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 3, 2019 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3085895)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:302613-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Scleranthus perennis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 2

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 1