SafePlants

Cerastium arvense: Field Chickweed

Cerastium arvense, a member of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), is commonly known as field chickweed or field mouse-ear. It is also referred to as meadow chickweed and starry grasswort.

Considerations for Pets

• Leaves: Note that the leaves are narrow and can be darker.
• Habit: Forms mats with erect flowering stems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cerastium arvense L.
• Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink or Carnation family)
• Synonyms: Cerastium arvense ssp. strictum
• Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies (ssp. strictum is mentioned)

Distribution and Habitat

• Field chickweed is a widespread species found in North America, Europe, and parts of South America.
• It is introduced from western Europe and is present in northeastern North America.
• It inhabits open woodlands, grassy or rocky habitats, especially in limy or sandy soil.
• Specific locations mentioned include Minnesota and Agate Creek.
• It can grow up to 3400 meters in altitude.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a perennial herb with stems that are trailing or decumbent, branched above, and range from 5 to 40 cm in height.
• Leaves are lanceolate to oblong, 1-3 cm long, with pointed tips. Fascicled leaves may be present below.
• The plant forms loose mats and may not flower in its first year.
• Flowers are white, with 3-6 flowers (rarely single) in an open, branched cluster at the stem tip.
• Flowers have 5 deeply notched petals, which may appear as 10 petals.

Ecological Role

• Field chickweed is a common pasture weed, particularly throughout the United States, except for the southern third of the country.

Quirky Facts

• The flowers have 5 petals, but each petal is deeply notched, making the flower appear to have 10 petals.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• Wikimedia Commons
• CalPhotos