Alpine Chickweed

Cerastium alpinum

Native to:
Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Czechia-Slovakia, Finland, France, Germany, Greenland, Iceland, Italy, Labrador, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Svalbard, Sweden, Switzerland, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Genus:
Cerastium
Species:
Cerastium alpinum
USDA Symbol:
CEAL12

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
20 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white
Ground Cover:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in alpine and subalpine regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. If no germination in 3 months, try 4C 1-2 months, then 20C again.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society