Field Chickweed (Note: This is a herbaceous plant, not a tree)
Cerastium arvense · Perennial Herbaceous Plant
Plant Family
Caryophyllaceae
Tree Category
Wildflower / Groundcover
Variety / Cultivar
Not applicable (Wild species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 8
About This Tree
It is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial herb. It features sprawling stems that can root at nodes, creating a dense carpet. White, star-shaped flowers with deeply notched petals appear in clusters on upright stems.
Leaf Characteristics
Opposite, linear to lanceolate, roughly 1-3 cm long, covered in fine hairs (pubescent), grayish-green color, smooth margins.
Bark Characteristics
Not applicable (Herbaceous stems are green to reddish and slightly hairy).
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and North America; widely distributed across temperate regions.
Growing Season
Spring to early summer flowering; often semi-evergreen in milder climates; dormant in winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers well-drained soil; moderate water needs with high drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) tall; spreads 12 to 24 inches (30-60 cm) wide; fast growth rate.
Special Characteristics
Extremely drought-tolerant; can become invasive in disturbed soils; identifiable by its 5 petals which are so deeply notched they appear as 10.
Wildlife & Ecology
Attracts small bees, flies, and butterflies for nectar; provides ground cover for small insects; seeds are occasionally eaten by songbirds.