Field chickweed

Cerastium arvense

Cerastium arvense, commonly known as field mouse-ear or field chickweed, is a low-growing herbaceous plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. Here's a detailed description:

Botanical Description:

  1. Habit:

    • Field mouse-ear is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial herb.

  2. Height:

    • It typically grows to a height of about 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches).

  3. Leaves:

    • The leaves are opposite, elliptic or lanceolate, and have a woolly or hairy texture. They are often grayish-green in color.

  4. Stems:

    • The stems are slender, prostrate or ascending, and may root at the nodes.

  5. Flowers:

    • The flowers are small, white, and have five petals. They are borne singly or in loose clusters.

  6. Inflorescence:

    • The flowers are arranged in cymes or dichasia.

  7. Fruit:

    • The fruit is a capsule containing numerous small seeds.

Identification Tips:

  • Low-Growing Habit:

    • Field mouse-ear forms dense, low mats close to the ground.

  • Woolly Leaves:

    • The leaves have a woolly or hairy texture, giving them a grayish appearance.

  • Small White Flowers:

    • The small, white flowers have five petals and are arranged in clusters.

Habitat:

  • Distribution:

    • Field mouse-ear is found in various regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

  • Habitat:

    • It thrives in open habitats, including meadows, fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas.

Ecological Role:

  • Soil Stabilization:
    • Like many mat-forming plants, field mouse-ear contributes to soil stabilization.

Uses:

  • Ornamental Ground Cover:
    • In some settings, field mouse-ear is appreciated as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes.

Management:

  • Cultural Practices:

    • Maintaining a healthy and diverse plant community can help suppress the growth of field mouse-ear.

  • Manual Removal:

    • Hand-pulling or cutting can be effective for small infestations.

  • Herbicides:

    • Selective herbicides labeled for use on broadleaf weeds may be used in areas where control is necessary. Always follow recommended application rates and guidelines.