Coastal BC plant with tiny 5 petal white flower

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Charlotte E, May 28, 2017.

  1. Charlotte E

    Charlotte E Active Member

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    Location:
    South Pender Island, BC
    I have been trying to find this plant's name since last summer. It has narrow simple leaves, 2 opposite and no lobe. Each stem will have 2 clusters of flowers. The flower is white with 5 petals that have a double tip. On Pender Island
     

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  2. Silver surfer

    Silver surfer Generous Contributor 10 Years

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    I wonder if you have 2 different plants.

    1. Left. Looks like Stellaria sp. 5 petals divided. Opposite leaves...which look glossy.
    Right Cannot see the detail clearly enough.
    2. Looks different. Flowers. Leaf shape..not shiny. etc. Cannot see the detail clearly enough.

    Stem..one looks smooth...other hairy..or my imagination?
     
  3. teague

    teague Active Member 10 Years

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    Looks like something in Caryophyllaceae, perhaps a Stellaria
     
  4. Charlotte E

    Charlotte E Active Member

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    Location:
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    I think both are the same plant - one was in a more shaded spot - but thanks to your information , I looked up Stellaria humifusa in my BC plant book. Close but the leaves are two glossy. That led to a better search and I found Cerastium glomeratum (sticky chickweed). I think the flower, leaf and stem are all a match.
     
  5. Charlotte E

    Charlotte E Active Member

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    Thanks . After looking images of these , and doing a search for the fact the flowers are in clusters, the image for cerastium glomeratum popped up and it looks like a match.
     
  6. Silver surfer

    Silver surfer Generous Contributor 10 Years

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  7. Charlotte E

    Charlotte E Active Member

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    Location:
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    The leaf on the plant on the left is slightly more elliptical but the stem does have some hair. Often the flowers are not open. I will try to find one with flowers open again and take a better photo.
     
  8. Charlotte E

    Charlotte E Active Member

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    Location:
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    I have looked at some more websites and I think you are correct. I think the plant with the open flower is Cerastium fontanum - common mouse ear chickweed. And the other one is Cerastium glomeratum. Thanks!
     
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