Description of Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg.
Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg. is a plant species native to Alaska, Canada, and Russia. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae and the genus Cerastium. This plant is also known by its common name, Beering's mouse-eared chickweed.
General Appearance
The plant has a prostrate growth habit, and it typically grows up to 5 cm in height. It spreads via rhizomes, forming dense mats on the ground. This plant has linear to lanceolate-shaped leaves that are about 3-13 mm long and 1–2 mm wide. The leaves are gray-green, and they are covered with short hairs.
Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg. produces white flowers that are 6–9 mm in diameter. The flowers have five petals, and they bloom from May to September. The plant prefers to grow in damp, sandy soils and alpine meadows.
Uses
Beering's mouse-eared chickweed is often cultivated as an ornamental ground cover in rock gardens and borders. The plant is also grown as food for livestock. In traditional medicine, this plant is used as a remedy for colds and coughs. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Typical Growth Conditions of Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg.
Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg. is a small, low-growing plant that is often found in alpine and arctic regions. This plant requires specific growth conditions to thrive, which are detailed below:
Light
Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg. requires full sunlight to grow properly. It is not tolerant of shade and will struggle to survive in areas where it does not receive enough sunlight. Therefore, it should be grown in an open area where it can receive sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature
Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg. is adapted to grow in cold environments and can tolerate low temperatures. It can grow in temperatures as low as -15°C and can survive in areas where temperatures remain low throughout the year. However, it cannot tolerate high temperatures and will struggle to grow in areas that experience extreme heat.
Soil
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It prefers to grow in soil that is moist but not waterlogged. The pH should be slightly acidic, with a range of 5.5 to 6.8 being ideal. The plant can grow in rocky areas, gravel, and sandy soils, as long as the soil is well-draining and nutrient-rich.
Cultivation of Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg.
Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg. is a hardy perennial plant that can grow in most soil types. The plant grows well in areas with well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions. When planting, ensure that the soil is moist, and the plant is positioned in an area with full sun exposure.
Watering Needs of Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg.
Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg. requires moderate watering, particularly during the growth and flowering season. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, and avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot. Always keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to ensure proper growth and development.
Fertilization of Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg.
For optimal growth and blooming, it's recommended to fertilize Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg. with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer during the plant's growth period, which is usually in spring and summer. Avoid overfertilizing the plant, which can cause rapid growth but weak stems and leaves.
Pruning of Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg.
Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg. requires minimal pruning, particularly if grown in a rock garden or as a ground cover. Prune any dead or yellowing leaves to allow the plant to focus energy on healthy growth and blooming. If the plant becomes too large, cut back the stems by a third of their length to promote bushier growth and more flowers.
Propagation of Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg.
Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg., commonly known as Alaska mouse-ear chickweed, is a hardy perennial plant that is native to Alaska and parts of Northern Canada. It is a popular ground cover plant due to its low growth habit and ability to thrive in harsh growing conditions. There are different methods of propagating this plant, including:
Division
Division is arguably the simplest method of propagating C. beeringianum. This method involves digging up the mature plant and dividing it into several small sections, each with its root system. This process should be done during the plant's inactive growth season, which is typically in early spring or late fall. Once divided, each section can be replanted in individual pots or directly into the garden.
Seeds
Propagation of C. beeringianum can also be done by sowing seeds directly into the ground. This method involves collecting mature seeds during the flowering season and planting them in well-prepared soil in the garden. The ideal planting time is in the early spring or late fall when the soil temperature is between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure optimal growth, the soil should be kept moist until the plants are well established.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another viable method of propagating C. beeringianum. This method involves taking cuttings from a healthy plant, dipping them in rooting hormone and planting them in a sterile, well-draining propagation medium. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment and protected from direct sunlight until they have rooted. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
The Bottom Line
Propagation of Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg. is not a complicated process. Division, seed sowing, and cuttings have proved to be successful methods of propagation. Careful consideration should be given to the timing and environmental needs of the plant to ensure optimal growth and survival.
Disease Management for Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg.
The most common diseases affecting Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg. are fungal infections. These include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust. Leaf spot is characterized by small, circular brown spots on the leaves, while powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves. Rust causes small yellow or brown spots on the leaves, which may become larger and cause the leaves to curl and die.
To manage fungal diseases, it is crucial to maintain proper plant hygiene. Remove infected leaves and debris from around the plant to prevent the spread of disease. Avoid overhead watering and water at the base of the plant to prevent leaves from staying wet for extended periods. Applying a fungicide can also help prevent and control fungal infections.
Pest Management for Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg.
The most common pests that affect Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var. capillare Fern. & Wieg. are aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Aphids are small green insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing wilting and stunting of the plant. Spider mites are microscopic pests that appear as tiny red or brown dots on the leaves and create a fine webbing over the plant. Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the flowers and leaves, causing deformed and discolored areas.
To manage pest infestations, regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation, and remove any affected plant parts promptly. Introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites, can help control pest populations. Using a neem oil solution or insecticidal soap can also be effective in managing pest infestations. Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides, as these can harm beneficial insects and disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem.
