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nodding chickweed

Scientific Name: Cerastium nutans

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names: MA (nodding chickweed)

       

Nodding Chickweed (Cerastium nutans)

Explore the fascinating world of Cerastium nutans, commonly known as Nodding Chickweed. This plant, a member of the Caryophyllaceae (Pink) family, exhibits unique characteristics and has a wide distribution across North America.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is known to have small parts that can be ingested by pets.

Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Cerastium nutans
  • Common Names: Nodding Chickweed, Mouse-ear Chickweed
  • Other chickweed variations and related species include common chickweed, longstem chickweed, nodding mouse-ear chickweed, and Shetland mouse-ear chickweed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
  • Synonym: Mentions of Stellaria brachypodum being considered a variety. Also, short-pedicelled nodding chickweed.
  • Subspecies: Cerastium nutans var. nutans

Distribution and Habitat

  • Nodding Chickweed is present across much of North America, though it is rare in New England.
  • It typically inhabits rocky woodlands and forests, outcrops, and talus slopes.
  • Specific location mentioned: Southeastern slopes of Mt. Adams along Road K6900 at about 3670&#39.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • This plant is a winter or spring annual.
  • It typically grows to be 4-16 inches tall.
  • It usually forms a tuft of leafy stems that are ascending to sprawling.
  • Flowers have five notched petals and ten stamens.

Ecological Role

  • The text suggests some chickweed species, including nodding chickweed, can be considered weeds, pointing to their invasive potential.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cerastium nutans.
  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
  • Dave's Garden website.
  • Encyclopedia of Life Family: Caryophyllaceae.
  • ISM Herbarium.