SafePlants

Nodding Chickweed (Cerastium nutans)

Cerastium nutans, commonly known as nodding chickweed, is an annual herb found across much of North America.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is noted to have small parts (seeds).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cerastium nutans Raf.
• Common Names: Nodding Chickweed, Mouse-ear Chickweed
• Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
• Synonyms: While not explicitly stated as a direct synonym, other chickweeds such as Stellaria brachypodum have been considered varieties of Cerastium nutans. Short-pedicelled nodding chickweed is also listed as a synonym.
• Subspecies/Variety: Cerastium nutans Raf. var. nutans, Cerastium nutans var. obtectum

Distribution and Habitat

• Nodding chickweed is present across much of North America, but is noted as rare in New England.
• It commonly inhabits rocky woodlands and forests, outcrops, and talus slopes.
• One specific location mentioned is the southeastern slopes of Mt. Adams along Road K6900 at about 3670 feet.

Morphological Characteristics

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

Ecological Role

• Other chickweed species like *Stellaria media* are considered invasive. While this text doesn't explicitly state *Cerastium nutans* is invasive, it's worth noting the relatedness.

Related Species

• Other chickweed species mentioned include:
  • Cerastium nigrescens - Shetland mouse-ear chickweed
  • Stellaria media - Common Chickweed
  • Cerastium vulgatum - Chickweed, nodding

Further Information

• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for garden tips and ideas.
• Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cerastium nutans.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database