Gibraltar Chickweed
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(Cerastium gibraltaricum)
Gibraltar Chickweed (Cerastium gibraltaricum)
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Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Kenraiz | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons
Summary
Cerastium gibraltaricum, commonly known as Gibraltar Chickweed or Gibraltar Mouse-Ear, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the rocky slopes and cliffs of Gibraltar and nearby areas of Southwestern Europe. It exhibits a moderate growth rate and typically reaches a height and width of 0.5-1 feet (0.15-0.3 meters). The plant forms dense tufts of foliage with lance-shaped, hairy leaves. Its white, star-shaped flowers are showy and bloom profusely in the spring and early summer, adding aesthetic value to garden settings.
Gibraltar Chickweed is valued for its ornamental flowers, low-growing habit, and evergreen foliage, which makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, alpine collections, and as ground cover. It is also suitable for border fronts and containers. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in medium or fast-draining soils, including clay, loam, or sandy types. It requires moderate watering but can tolerate periods of drought once established. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Gibraltar Chickweed is valued for its ornamental flowers, low-growing habit, and evergreen foliage, which makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, alpine collections, and as ground cover. It is also suitable for border fronts and containers. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in medium or fast-draining soils, including clay, loam, or sandy types. It requires moderate watering but can tolerate periods of drought once established. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to the rocky slopes and cliffs of Gibraltar and nearby areas of Southwestern Europe
Other Names
Common Names: Gibraltar Mouse-Ear
Scientific Names: Cerastium gibraltaricum, Cerastium arvense var. boissieri, Cerastium arvense var. cavillieri, Cerastium boissieri, Cerastium boissieri subsp. gibraltaricum, Cerastium boissieri var. abbreviatum, Cerastium boissieri var. gibraltaricum, Cerastium boissieri var. lanuginosum, Cerastium boissieri var. strictiforme
GBIF Accepted Name: Cerastium gibraltaricum