How much sun does Common Mouse-ear need?

Common Mouse-ear grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Common Mouse-ear bloom?

Common Mouse-ear blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October.

Where is Common Mouse-ear native?

Common Mouse-ear (Cerastium fontanum) is native to ME, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Common Mouse-ear attract?

Common Mouse-ear draws bees and beetles.

Is Common Mouse-ear HOA-friendly?

Common Mouse-ear takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Common Mouse-ear

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cerastium fontanum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range

Common mouse-ear is a low-growing perennial groundcover with small, fuzzy gray-green leaves and tiny white flowers. It blooms for an exceptionally long season from spring through fall, forming dense mats that spread readily. This hardy plant tolerates various conditions and can fill in spaces between other plantings.

In an HOA neighborhood

Common Mouse-ear takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Often considered a weedy lawn invader
Can spread aggressively and look unkempt
May be mistaken for common lawn weeds

Wildlife value

The extended bloom period provides nectar for bees and beetles throughout most of the growing season. Its low, dense growth habit also offers shelter for beneficial ground-dwelling insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Common Mouse-ear need?: Common Mouse-ear grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Common Mouse-ear bloom?: Common Mouse-ear blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October.
Where is Common Mouse-ear native?: Common Mouse-ear (Cerastium fontanum) is native to ME, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Common Mouse-ear attract?: Common Mouse-ear draws bees and beetles.
Is Common Mouse-ear HOA-friendly?: Common Mouse-ear takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Common Mouse-ear? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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