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Arenaria capillaris
Arenaria capillaris Poir.
Beautiful Sandwort, Slender Mountain Sandwort
Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ARCA7
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
Many slender forked branches growing on a main stalk above a leafy, matted base, with 1 small, white, star-like flower at end of each branch.
The genus name derives from the Latin arena ("sand"), referring to the preferred soil of many species. Several similar species, distinguished by technical characteristics, generally may be recognized by white flowers with five petals, three styles on the ovary, and very narrow leaves.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Subshrub
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 10 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AK , ID , MT , NV , OR , WACanada: AB
Native Distribution: Alaska south to northern Oregon, northern Nevada, and western Montana.
Native Habitat: Sagebrush plains and rocky slopes in mountains.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Drought Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Well-drained sandy to rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Great plant for borders, forms large clumps.
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Additional resources
USDA: Find Arenaria capillaris in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Arenaria capillaris in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Arenaria capillaris
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff