Field Chickweed
Cerastium arvense
Also known as Field Mouse-ear Chickweed, Field Mouse-ear, Prairie Mouse-ear Chickweed
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing perennial groundcover with delicate white flowers and narrow, hairy foliage that forms dense mats. Hardy and drought-tolerant once established, it works well for rock gardens, borders, and dry slopes.
Why grow it
Field chickweed offers finer texture and more delicate appearance than many common groundcovers, with the added benefit of being deciduous in cold climates, allowing seasonal variation in the garden. Its low maintenance requirements and ability to establish on poor or well-drained soils make it useful where more demanding perennials struggle, particularly on slopes or between stones where dense coverage is desired without aggressive spreading.
Watch out for
This species can be slow to fill in during its first season and may require consistent moisture during establishment despite its eventual drought tolerance. In areas with high humidity or poor drainage, it can develop fungal issues, so ensure adequate air circulation around plantings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Europe and temperate Asia
Native to: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing perennial groundcover with delicate white flowers and narrow, hairy foliage that forms dense mats. Hardy and drought-tolerant once established, it works well for rock gardens, borders, and dry slopes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Field Chickweed grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Field chickweed offers finer texture and more delicate appearance than many common groundcovers, with the added benefit of being deciduous in cold climates, allowing seasonal variation in the garden. Its low maintenance requirements and ability to establish on poor or well-drained soils make it useful where more demanding perennials struggle, particularly on slopes or between stones where dense coverage is desired without aggressive spreading.
Watch out for
This species can be slow to fill in during its first season and may require consistent moisture during establishment despite its eventual drought tolerance. In areas with high humidity or poor drainage, it can develop fungal issues, so ensure adequate air circulation around plantings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Europe and temperate Asia
Native to: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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