Snow In Summer

(Cerastium tomentosum)

Snow In Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cerastium tomentosum, commonly known as Snow In Summer, is an evergreen perennial herb native to alpine regions and dry, rocky places in Southern Europe, specifically Italy and Corsica. It typically forms dense mats up to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and can spread 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. The plant is characterized by its silvery-grey, woolly (tomentose) foliage and star-shaped, white flowers that are about 15mm across. Snow In Summer blooms profusely from late spring to early summer (May to July in the northern hemisphere), and its flowers are notably showy, attracting pollinators.

This plant is valued for its ability to form dense silver carpets, providing excellent ground cover and adding contrast in rock gardens, borders, and edging. It is also used in xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance. Snow In Summer prefers poor, gravelly, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun. It is low maintenance, but can spread aggressively through its rhizomes if conditions are ideal. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to become invasive and may need to control its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
  • Width: 0.8-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Alpine regions and dry, rocky places in Southern Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Dusty Miller , Snow-In-Summer , Filziges Hornkraut , Argentine , Barbette , Céraiste Tomenteux , Oreille De Souris , Viltige Hoornbloem , Silverarv

Scientific Names: Cerastium tomentosum , Cerastium repens , Cerastium columnae , Cerastium tomentosum subsp. columnae , Cerastium elatum , Cerastium album , Cerastium longifolium , Cerastium bosniacum , Cerastium decalvans , Stellaria repens

GBIF Accepted Name: Cerastium tomentosum L.