Mouse eared chickweed, scientifically known as Cerastium vulgatum, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to Europe but is now distributed in various regions across the globe, including North America, Asia, and Australia.
This plant typically has small rounded leaves lined with fine hairs, giving it a resemblance to mouse ears, hence the name. The leaves are arranged opposite each other along the stems, forming dense mats or patches. The plant produces white or pale pink flowers with five petals that bloom from spring to summer. These flowers are usually small, reaching about 1 cm in diameter, and are held on erect stems.
Mouse eared chickweed prefers to grow in moist and shaded environments, such as woodland areas, meadows, and alongside streams. It has the ability to tolerate a wide range of soil types but thrives best in well-drained and neutral to slightly alkaline soils.
This plant is considered a weed in some regions due to its vigorous growth habit, which can outcompete other desired plants. However, it also serves as a valuable food source for insects, butterflies, and bees due to its nectar-rich flowers. Mouse eared chickweed has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its astringent, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
In summary, mouse eared chickweed is a small perennial plant known for its mouse ear-shaped leaves and delicate white or pale pink flowers. While it can be considered a weed, it also provides ecological benefits as a food source for several pollinators and has historical usage in herbal medicine.
