Common Mouse Ear (Cerastium fontanum) is a low-growing, mat-forming wildflower with small, star-shaped white flowers and soft, hairy leaves. This hardy perennial is native to the UK and commonly found in grasslands, meadows, road verges, and upland areas. Its modest height and resilience make it ideal for ground cover, erosion control, and adding biodiversity to managed grasslands and restoration schemes.

It thrives in a wide range of conditions including dry, poor soils and exposed sites, making it a useful species for ecological planting where low maintenance and ground stability are priorities.

Features & Benefits
Low-growing perennial that provides reliable ground cover
White, star-like flowers that support small pollinators
Hardy and adaptable across a range of soil types
Ideal for erosion control, species-rich grasslands, and banks
Native UK wildflower with excellent naturalising ability

Latin Name:
Cerastium fontanum

Flowering Time:
April – September

Flowering Height:
5 – 20 cm

Life Cycle:
Perennial

Wildflower Seed Approximate Sowing Rate:
0.4kg per acre (1kg per hectare)

Sowing Times:
Spring (March – May) or Autumn (August – October)

How to Sow & Preparation
Select a site with full sun or partial shade and free-draining soil.
Clear weeds and create a fine seedbed or broadcast directly into existing grassland.
Sow seed evenly and press gently into the soil surface—avoid deep burial.
Water lightly if weather is dry to aid establishment.
Low-maintenance once established; mowing helps keep it compact.

About John Chambers Wildflower Seeds
John Chambers Wildflower Seeds has been a trusted supplier of native UK wildflower seeds for over 35 years. Known for its high-quality, locally sourced seed and outstanding customer service, John Chambers provides ecological solutions for landscape contractors, local authorities, and conservationists focused on creating sustainable, biodiverse landscapes.

Latin Name | Cerastium fontanum

Flowering Time | April – September

Flowering Height | 5 – 20 cm

Life Cycle | Perennial

Sowing Rate | 0.4 kg per acre (1 kg per hectare)

Sowing Period | Spring (March – May) or Autumn (August – October)

Preferred Conditions | Full sun or light shade; well-drained soils

Pollinator Friendly | Yes

Minimum Order Quantity | 10g

Ideal For | Grasslands, meadows, road verges, banks, erosion control