SafePlants

Sticky Chickweed (Cerastium glomeratum)

Also known as sticky mouse-ear chickweed or clammy chickweed, Cerastium glomeratum is a common plant found in various parts of the world. This page provides information about its characteristics, distribution, and potential interactions with the environment.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant's stems and leaves are covered in hairs, some of which are sticky.
• There is a mention of dogs "self medicating" by licking the sticky seed pods.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Cerastium glomeratum Thuill.
• Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
• Common Names: Sticky chickweed, sticky mouse-ear chickweed, clammy chickweed
• Synonyms: Cerastium viscosum L., Cerastium acutatum, Cerastium glomeratum Thuill. var. apetalum (Dumort.) Fenzl

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Eurasia, it has been introduced to North America and has become common in some areas, including Mexico.
• Found in various locations including California, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Texas and North India.
• It thrives in moist and sheltered lawns and gardens.

Ecological Role

• Sticky chickweed is considered an invasive plant in some regions.
• It is a winter annual.
• Common chickweed (Stellaria media) and sticky chickweed (Cerastium glomeratum), winter annual weeds, attract and harbor insects and diseases.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is an annual herb.
• The stems are slender and sticky-hairy, with swollen nodes, capable of producing roots when nodes come into contact with soil.
• Leaves are opposite, ovate to obovate, entire, sessile, pale green, and hairy.
• Flowers are small, white, with 5-petaled, notched petals, arranged in a cyme.

Quirky Facts

• The text mentions dogs "self medicating" by licking the sticky seed pods of this plant.

Further Information

• USDA PLANTS Database: Symbol CEGL2
• Dave's Garden
• Discover Life