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Cerastium arvense

Field Chickweed

Field Chickweed
aka Starry Cerastium, Field Mouse-ear Chickweed.The handsome white flower, about 0.75″ (15 mm) wide, is distinctive for the deep notches in the tips of its five petals which extend to about one-third the length of the petal. The stems reach 6″ – 16″ tall and grow in clumps or tufts. The leaves are linear to lance-shaped and are just an inch or so long. This is a genus of highly variable species and are found at various elevations including along seashores. The ssp. strictum (meaning ‘upright’) is found in the Park on open, stony slopes at between 3,500′ to 6,000′ elevation.

Family:

Carophyllaceae - PINK FAMILY

Genus:

Cerastium from Greek keras, 'a horn', referring to shape of seed capsule

Species:

arvense means 'field'
Photo location: Tolmie Peak Lookout.