Cerastium tomentosum

Flower name
Cerastium tomentosum
Scientific name
Cerastium tomentosum
Aliasナツユキソウ, 夏雪草, シロミミナグサ, 白耳菜草, セイヨウトメントサム, スノーインサマー, snow-in-summer, セラスチユーム, セラスチウムトメントスム
Place of originEurope, particularly southern Italy
Place of floweringHigh mountain, Garden, Sub-alpine, Park, Ornamental plants
Flowering seasonApril, May, June, July

What is Cerastium tomentosum

Cerastium (scientific name: Cerastium tomentosum) is an evergreen creeping perennial plant native to Europe, particularly southern Italy. It belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae and the genus Cerastium. It is also known by other names, such as snow-in-summer, white mouse-ear, European St. John's Wort, and Cerastium tomentosum (scientific name).

In its native habitat, it grows in dry, sunny places such as rocky mountain slopes and gravelly areas. It was introduced to Japan as an ornamental plant during the Meiji era. This plant is admired for its beautiful white flowers and silvery leaves.

The plant has a height of 15 to 30 cm and spreads to a width of 40 to 50 cm. Its silvery foliage spreads like a carpet, making it a favorite for ground cover, ornamental plants, and mixed plantings. From April to July, it produces clusters of white flowers on flower stems.

Related Plants of the Same Genus:
The following are plants of the genus Cerastium:

Cerastium (Cerastium, scientific name: Cerastium tomentosum)
Dutch Mouse-ear (scientific name: Cerastium glomeratum)

Flower Language:
"Unexpected encounters," "Happiness," "Talent."

Common Name: Cerastium
Scientific Name: Cerastium tomentosum
Other Names: Snow-in-summer, white mouse-ear, European St. John's Wort, Cerastium tomentosum
Native Region: Europe
Habitat: Mountainous areas
Life Form: Cold-resistant evergreen perennial (herbaceous plant)
Preferred Environment: Well-drained sunny places
Cultivation: Worldwide gardens
Plant Classification: Kingdom Plantae, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Caryophyllaceae, Genus Cerastium
Height: 15 to 30 cm
Width: 40 to 50 cm
Plant Characteristics: Covered in dense hairs
Stem: Silvery-gray
Leaf Texture: Felt-like
Leaf Color: Silvery-gray
Leaf Length: 3 cm
Leaf Shape: Linear to lance-shaped
Flowering Period: April to July
Flower Type: Star-shaped, white flowers
Flower Diameter: 1.5 cm
Number of Flowers per Cluster: 15
Sepal Length: 0.6 cm
Fruit Type: Capsule
Propagation: Rhizomes
Uses: Ornamental plant, ground cover, rock gardens, dry gardens, mixed plantings