Common Mouse-ear
Cerastium fontanum
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Description
Common Mouse-ear (Cerastium fontanum) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia, now widespread in temperate regions. It thrives in grasslands, gardens, and disturbed areas, forming dense mats with its hairy leaves and small, white, star-shaped flowers. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, it serves as a ground cover, suppressing weeds and protecting soil from erosion. It is particularly valuable in food forests as a ground layer plant, contributing to soil health by maintaining moisture and preventing erosion. Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. It pairs well with plants like clover and yarrow, which enhance its soil-improving capabilities.
Growing Details
Common Mouse-ear thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soils. Prepare soil by incorporating organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Mulching with straw or leaf litter helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like clover and yarrow enhance its soil-improving capabilities. Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases. Harvest young leaves in spring for best flavor. Store leaves in a cool, dry place if not used immediately.
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Meadow
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Cerastium fontanum</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe and Asia, now widespread in
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of April for 90 days
Harvest:
beginning
of Jun for 60 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The leaves and young shoots can be consumed raw or cooked, though they are not widely regarded for their flavor. They can be added to salads or used as a cooked green. Harvest young leaves in spring for the best taste.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, Common Mouse-ear has been used in herbal medicine to treat respiratory issues, skin conditions, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is often applied as a poultice or infusion. Caution is advised as it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
health concerns: May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
other uses: Common Mouse-ear can be used as a green mulch to improve soil structure and fertility. It is also beneficial for attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Cerastium fontanum
common names: Common Mouse-ear; Starwort; Chickweed
family: Caryophyllaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Cerastium
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.1 m
spacing: 0.2 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 20ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 25ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: Medium
root type: Shallow
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(5/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 0.3 m
max width: 0.5 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Common Mouse-ear thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soils. Prepare soil by incorporating organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Mulching with straw or leaf litter helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like clover and yarrow enhance its soil-improving capabilities. Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases. Harvest young leaves in spring for best flavor. Store leaves in a cool, dry place if not used immediately.
Potential Disturbances: Common Mouse-ear is generally pest-free but can be affected by aphids and fungal diseases in overly damp conditions. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphids. Use neem oil or garlic spray as organic solutions for pest management.
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