SafePlants

Ballhead Sandwort (Arenaria congesta)

Arenaria congesta, commonly known as ballhead sandwort, is a flowering plant belonging to the pink family (Caryophyllaceae).

Considerations for Pets

• Leaves are described as linear, needle-like with a sharp point.

Considerations for Children

• Leaves are described as linear, needle-like with a sharp point.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arenaria congesta Nutt.
• Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
• Synonym: Eremogone congesta
• USDA Symbol: ARCO5
• Varieties:
  • Arenaria congesta var. congesta
  • Eremogone congesta var. cephaloidea (sharptip sandwort)
  • Arenaria congesta var. crassula (mentioned in care instructions)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America.
• Common and widespread in the sagebrush steppe of southern Idaho and Montana.
• Found from foothills to subalpine zones.
• Grows in woodlands, openings, steppe, meadow, and open forest habitats from valleys to occasionally subalpine zones.
• Observed in Council, ID, along Forest Service Road #44.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial wildflower.
• Forms a cushion-like growth habit, small and green.
• Height: 6 – 12 inches.
• Stems have 2-3 pairs of small leaves.
• Leaves are linear, needle-like, with a sharp point, measuring 1/2 – 3 inches.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun.
• Water: Low, drought tolerant.
• The plant can bear very harsh temperatures, even many degrees below zero.

Traditional Uses

• The Gosiute people used the plant as a bowel medicine for gastrointestinal aid.

Quirky Facts

• Ballhead Sandwort shares its name with other interesting alpine flowers such as "Elephanthead".

Further Information

• Discover Life's page provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arenaria congesta.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
• CalPhotos.