SafePlants

Slender Mountain Sandwort (Arenaria capillaris)

Slender Mountain Sandwort, scientifically known as Arenaria capillaris, is also referred to as fescue sandwort and thread-leaved sandwort. It is often found in sandy soils, which gives rise to the common name "sandworts."

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Slender Mountain Sandwort has many slender, forked branches that grow on a main stalk above a leafy, matted base.
• Mountain Sandwort is a low-growing perennial with dense tufts of linear opposite leaves at the base. Its slender flowering stems with cymes.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arenaria capillaris Poir.
• Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
• Rank: Subspecies
• Synonyms: Eremogone capillaris
• Other Species: *Arenaria aberrans &#8211 Mt. Dellenbaugh sandwort *Arenaria aculeata &#8211 prickly Sandwort *Arenaria bolosii

Distribution and Habitat

• Slender Mountain Sandwort is native to specific regions, but the provided text also indicates its presence in introduced locations.
• Observed along Cold Springs Ridge Road in the northern Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
• Found in locations such as Mt. Hood National Wild Area, Oregon, and Olympic National Park.
• It prefers sandy soil.
• Also found on Lake Mountain in a subalpine setting.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is described as a subshrub or forb/herb.
• It's a perennial plant.
• Develops like a perennial herb, forming a round-shaped shrub.
• The plant is not evergreen.
• Mountain sandwort is a low-growing perennial with dense tufts of linear opposite leaves at the base. Its slender flowering stems with cymes
• Has narrow, glossy green leaves that form

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Slender mountain sandwort (Arenaria capillaris) can be found alongside moss campion (Silene acaulis).

Further Information

• NCBI Taxonomy
• Discover Life
• NIISS (http://www.niiss.org)