Edge/ Mouse-ear Chickweed

COMMON NAME: Mouse-Ear Chickweed

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cerastium vulgatum

FAMILY: Caryophyllaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Naturalized from Eurasia

LIFESPAN: Short Lived Perennial

HEIGHT: Prostrate or Erect 6 to 20 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Early April to November, Most late April and May

FRUITING TIME: May to June

DISTRIBUTION: Most of North America ~ Statewide in New Jersey, infrequent in Pine Barrens

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Stem slender, sticky-hairy ~ Flower small on long stalk, terminal in groups, petals deeply notched ~ Leaves opposite, small, oval (resemble mouse ears)

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family (Caryophyllaceae) commonly called the Pink or Carnation Family consists of 89 genera and 2,070 species of herbs, shrubs and a few trees found in temperate and warm climates.  Latin caryophlum means “a clove” alluding to the clove-like scent to some carnations. The genus Cerastium is named from the Greek cerastes meaning “horned”, alluding to the shape of the slender and often curved capsule or fruit. Mouse-Ear Chickweed is edible.  The tender leaves can be added to salad but are best boiled and served as a cooked green. Mouse-Ear Chickweed is found along roadsides, in fields, lawns, and waste places.  It is a common weed in many habitats.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.