Field mouse-ear (Cerastium arvense)
Care, watering, light and tips for Field mouse-ear on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Field mouse-ear
Cerastium arvense, commonly known as field chickweed or storarve, is a low-growing perennial plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is characterized by its small, star-shaped white flowers that blanket a grayish-green foliage, forming a dense mat. It is ideal for rock gardens, path edges, or as ground cover in sunny garden spots, adding a delicate and natural touch.
Native range
Native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
Care tips
It requires full sun for abundant flowering and optimal development. It prefers well-drained, sandy, or gritty soils and tolerates drought once established, so watering should be moderate, avoiding waterlogging which can lead to root rot. A common mistake is planting it in heavy soils or excessive shade, which limits its growth and bloom.
How to save a dying Field mouse-ear
- Warning signs
- Wilting, yellowing or browning leaves, soft stems. Slow or no growth.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. If very dry, water deeply. If waterlogged, repot into dry soil.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot or compacted soil. Also excessive shade or nutrient deficiency.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. Good drainage and adequate light are key for its recovery.