Etymology: Cerastium: from Greek keras, "a horn," referring to the shape of the seed capsule
Plants: erect, perennial, 6"-16" tall forb, branched, often matting at the base
Leaves: mostly linear, stalkless
Flowers: white with a green center, 5-parted, 1/2" wide, petals 2-lobed and 2-3 times longer than the sepals; inflorescence a terminal, branched cluster (cyme); blooms May-Aug.
Fruits: cylindrical capsule
Habitat: disturbed sites, prairies; in gravelly, rocky, sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 4, Wetland Indicator = FACU- USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada" David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions