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spreading sandwort

Scientific Name: Arenaria lanuginosa ssp. lanuginosa var. longipedu

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Spreading Sandwort (Arenaria lanuginosa)

Spreading Sandwort, scientifically known as Arenaria lanuginosa, is a forb/herb belonging to the genus Arenaria. It is known for its spreading growth habit.

Common Names

  • Spreading Sandwort

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Arenaria lanuginosa (Michx.) Rohrb.
  • Family: Caryophyllaceae
  • Synonym: Arenaria patula Michx. (also known as Minuartia patula (Michx.) Mattf.)
  • Subspecies:
    • Arenaria lanuginosa subsp. lanuginosa
    • Arenaria lanuginosa subsp. saxosa (A. Gray) Maguire
  • Varieties:
    • Arenaria lanuginosa var. lanuginosa
    • Arenaria lanuginosa var. saxosa

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the southern U.S. and found as far south as Peru.
  • Observed in specific locations like Arizona and Arkansas.
  • Found in habitats such as avalanche clearings and spruce-fir forests at higher elevations (e.g., 10,000 feet).

Morphological Characteristics

  • Forb/herb (non-woody plant that is not a grass).
  • Arenaria montana, a related species, grows to about six inches tall and spreads about 12 inches wide.
  • White 5 petal flowers, approximately 8".

Cultivation

  • Can be grown in the garden year-round.
  • It is recommended to fertilize perennial plants like spreading sandwort in the spring with a slow-release granular fertilizer.

Additional Information

  • Available on Discover Life, Wikimedia Commons, and Dave's Garden.
  • Photographs are available from Michael Charters and Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte.