Overview
Cerastium viscosum auct. non L. is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is a small, mat-forming perennial herb that is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This plant is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its delicate and dainty appearance. It is also known by its common names, including sticky chickweed, sticky mouse-ear chickweed, and little starwort.
General Appearance
Cerastium viscosum auct. non L. grows up to 10 centimeters tall and spreads up to 30 centimeters wide, forming a dense mat. It has oval, grayish-green leaves that are covered in short, soft hairs that give them a slightly sticky texture. The plant bears small white or pink flowers that are up to 1 centimeter in diameter and have five petals. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer.
Uses
Sticky chickweed is mainly grown for ornamental purposes as a ground cover or border plant. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. The plant contains a compound called nepetalactone, which gives it a slightly minty flavor and a pleasant fragrance. Sticky chickweed may also be used as a food source for livestock and wildlife, as it is edible and nutritious.
Light Requirements
Cerastium viscosum prefers full sunlight for optimal growth and typically does not tolerate shade well. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to cooler climates and prefers temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate freezing temperatures to a degree and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-7.
Soil Requirements
Cerastium viscosum grows best in well-draining, loamy soil with a neutral pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. It can also tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soils. It is adapted to nutrient-poor soils and does not require a high level of fertilizer. It is important that the soil is not waterlogged as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Cerastium viscosum auct. non L., also known as Sticky Mouse-Ear Chickweed, is a hardy plant that grows well in various soil types, including well-draining soil and field soil.
The plant prefers a sunny ground or partially shaded areas with medium moisture retention. It is crucial to ensure that the soil is loose and well-prepared before sowing the seeds.
Propagation can be done by direct seeding or transplanting seedlings. Sow the seeds of Cerastium viscosum in the late winter or early spring, then thin out the seedlings to a spacing of 10-15cm apart.
Watering needs
Cerastium viscosum requires moderate watering, especially during the summer and spring seasons. Ensure the soil is moist, not wet. Overwatering will cause root rot, while insufficient watering will hinder growth and dehydrate the plant.
It is best to water the plant early in the morning, as watering the leaves during the nighttime can lead to fungal growth.
Fertilization
Sticky Mouse-Ear Chickweed doesn't require high levels of fertilization, but adding moderate amounts of compost or manure to the soil can increase soil fertility and support the plant's growth.
Adding nitrogen-rich fertilizers can boost leafy growth, but overuse can hurt the plant's overall health. Therefore, applying balanced fertilizers, such as NPK, are recommended.
Pruning
Cerastium viscosum does not require regular pruning, as it is a low-maintenance plant. However, deadheading the flowers after they've bloomed can help prolong the plant's flowering period.
Pruning can be done in the late winter or early spring to remove damaged stems or branches and shape the plant.
Propagation of Cerastium viscosum auct. non L.
Cerastium viscosum auct. non L. can be propagated through both seed and vegetative propagation methods.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Cerastium viscosum auct. non L. can be easily collected from the mature plants in the late summer or early autumn. The seeds are small and can be easily spread by the wind. They can also be collected by gently shaking the dried seed capsules over a container. Once collected, the seeds should be stored in cool and dry conditions until they are ready for planting.
Before planting, the seeds can be subjected to stratification, which involves exposing them to cold, moist conditions in order to mimic the winter season. This will improve their germination rates. Once stratified, the seeds can be planted in a seed tray or directly into the ground, with a spacing of about 10-15cm between the plants.
Germination of Cerastium viscosum auct. non L. seeds usually takes around 2-3 weeks. They prefer well-drained soil and moderate sunlight to grow.
Vegetative Propagation
Cerastium viscosum auct. non L. can also be propagated through vegetative means such as stem cuttings or division of the plant. Stem cuttings can be taken from the parent plant in the summer and rooted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in partially shaded conditions until they have established roots.
Another method of vegetative propagation is division of the parent plant. This involves digging up the plant in the autumn or early spring and separating the root ball into smaller sections, each containing a healthy stem and root system. These divisions can then be replanted in the desired location with appropriate spacing.
With proper care and maintenance, Cerastium viscosum auct. non L. can be propagated successfully through either seed or vegetative methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Cerastium Viscosum
Cerastium viscosum, commonly known as Sticky Mouse-ear Chickweed, is a hardy perennial known for its highly adhesive foliage. Though it is a relatively low-maintenance plant, it is still susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that can impact its growth and survival.
Common Pests
The most common pests to affect Cerastium viscosum are aphids and spider mites. Aphids, also known as plant lice, feed on the sap of the plant, resulting in weakening and yellowing of the leaves. Spider mites, on the other hand, puncture the plant's cells, causing yellowed or bronzed leaves that subsequently fall off over time. Both pests can be removed through the use of a high-pressure water spray or insecticidal soap regularly sprayed onto the foliage.
Common Diseases
Cerastium viscosum is known to develop root rot if the soil is not well-drained, which can cause the plant to wilt and die. This disease can be avoided by planting the plant in well-draining soil and ensuring it receives adequate water without becoming water-logged. Additionally, Cercospora leaf spot may affect the leaves of the plant, resulting in small, brown spots that can merge to form larger lesions. Pruning affected leaves and ensuring adequate air circulation can help prevent the spread of this fungal disease.
Preventative Measures
To minimize the risk of pests and diseases affecting Cerastium viscosum, it is wise to use preventive measures such as regularly examining the plant for common pest signs and giving it adequate protection from harsh environmental conditions. Planting the plant in well-draining soil and avoiding over-watering can also help prevent fungal diseases and other related problems. Additionally, it is advisable to prune affected leaves regularly, ensuring that the plant is receiving enough sunlight and air circulation to grow healthily.
