Pearlwort Sagina procumbens
Other plants called Pearlwort:
- Phonetic Spelling
- sa-GEE-nuh pro-KUM-benz
- Description
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Pearlwort is in the Caryophyllaceae family. It is a spreading, moss-like cool-season annual, but under some conditions, it may persist as a short-lived perennial. Sagina procumbens is nearly identical to Sagina decumbens. Both have thin, awn-like leaves, 1/2 to 1 inch in length and can form dense mats. Flowers are white.
This plant is generally seen near walkways.
There are selections and related species sold in the garden trade for rock gardens or vegetation between pavers. Pearlwort prefers cool, moist conditions.
A prolific seed producer, seeds are borne in cup-like pods and spread by splashing water. Pearlwort can be quite weedy and if plants are undesired, do not let them go to seed. Management strategies include improving drainage in areas where weed persists. Pearlwort is well managed by preemergence herbicides labeled for this use.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Sagina
- Species:
- procumbens
- Family:
- Caryophyllaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- For rock gardens or vegetation between pavers
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Weed
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Spreading
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Wheel
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Needles
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Thin, awn-like leaves, 1/2 to 1 inch in length and can form dense mats.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Problems:
- Weedy
