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nodding chickweed

Scientific Name: Cerastium nutans var. nutans

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Nodding Chickweed (Cerastium nutans)

Cerastium nutans, commonly known as nodding chickweed, is a fascinating plant with a wide distribution across North America.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant can be found in rocky woodlands and forests, outcrops, and talus slopes, so be aware of its presence when exploring these environments with pets.

Considerations for Children

  • Nodding chickweed can be found in woodlands and forests, so be aware of its presence when children are exploring these environments.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cerastium nutans Raf.
  • Common Names: Nodding chickweed, mouse-ear chickweed.
  • Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
  • Variety: Cerastium nutans Raf. var. nutans
  • Synonyms: The text mentions instances where "chickweed" is used synonymously, and short-pedicelled nodding chickweed is mentioned as a synonym. The text also refers to Stellaria brachypodum as a possible variety of Nodding Chickweed.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Nodding chickweed is present across much of North America, although it is considered rare in New England.
  • It typically inhabits rocky woodlands and forests, outcrops, and talus slopes. A specific location mentioned is the southeastern slopes of Mt. Adams, around 3670 feet.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Nodding chickweed is a winter or spring annual.
  • It grows to be 4-16 inches tall.
  • It usually forms a tuft of leafy stems that are ascending to sprawling.
  • The flowers are nodding with five notched petals and ten stamens.

Ecological Role

  • The provided text indicates that other Chickweed varieties such as Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) may be considered invasive. While the text does not state that Cerastium nutans is invasive, it does share similar common names and could therefore, be mistaken for a more aggressive species.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden is referenced as a place to find tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
  • Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cerastium nutans.
  • The USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database provides information about Nodding Chickweed.
  • The Encyclopedia of Life provides information for the family Caryophyllaceae.