Cerastium tomentosum

Cerastium tomentosum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Core eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Caryophyllaceae
Genus:	Cerastium
Species:	C. tomentosum
Binomial name
Cerastium tomentosum L.

Flower close-up

Cerastium tomentosum (Snow-in-Summer) is a herbaceous flowering plant & a member of the carnation family. It is generally distinguished from other species of its genus by "tomentose" or felty foliage. It is a low, spreading perrenial native to alpine regions of Europe. The stems & leaves are silvery-grey, whilst the flowers are star-like, white & about 15mm across. Not surprisingly, C. tomentosum flowers in summer, but may also bloom at other times of the year. It has proven popular as a cultivated ornamental & can be found in gardens the world over.

References

• Heritage Perennials: Cerastium tomentosum
• Missouri Botanical Garden (Kemper Center): Cerastium tomentosum