Cerastium arvense, commonly known as field mouse-ear or field chickweed, is a perennial herb that is part of the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to temperate regions of Europe and has naturalized in North America and parts of South America, often found in open woodlands, meadows, and alpine zones. This plant typically grows up to 12-18 inches tall and can form dense mats, making it an effective ground cover. It has a clumping habit and can also spread as a creeper, with stems that are sometimes upright. Field mouse-ear has linear to lance-shaped or oblong leaves and is known for its showy white flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer. Each flower features five two-lobed petals, creating a distinctive fringed appearance. The fruit is a cylindrical capsule that opens at the top to release small brown seeds.

Field mouse-ear is valued for its low maintenance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, alpine gardens, and as ground cover in sunny to partly shaded areas. It is drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soils. While it can be an attractive addition to the garden, it is important to manage its spread to prevent it from becoming invasive. In some regions, it is considered a weed due to its aggressive growth habits.CC BY-SA 4.0