Mouse-Ear Chickweed is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland, meadow and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 30cm.
The name 'Mouse-Ear' describes the plant's hair-covered, 'furry-looking' and oppositely-paired oval leaves. The name 'Chickweed' comes from the plant's traditional use as a food source for chickens. The flower petals of Mouse-Ear Chickweed are notched, dividing the petal part-way down.
Botanic classification and naming: Mouse-Ear Chickweed is a member of the Carnation (Caryophyllaceae) family. The genus name
'Cerastium' identifies the plant as a Chickweed and its species name 'fontanum' means 'springwater plant'.
Concerns: Each Mouse-Ear Chickweed plant can produce thousands of seeds, which can germinate up to forty years later, and so the plant is classed as an agricultural weed.
|