Cerastium pumilum Dwarf Mouse-ear

Dwarf Mouse-ear is a glandular-hairy, early-flowering annual of dry, calcareous habitats. It is represented in the British flora as Cerastium pumilum subsp. pumilum, which has its main distribution in western Europe but has undergon a significant decline in Britain where it is rare with a very scattered distribution. It is extremely rare in Wales and was discovered new to Glamorgan and south Wales by CH in 2023 in dry calcareous grassland near Margam Moors and along part of the railway line nearby. Although populations are striking when in flower, it could be passed-over for other more common Cerastium species. Nevertheless, it seems unlikely that it has been overlooked in the past and it appears to be a recent introduction to the local flora. In its habit it is somewhat similar to Sea Mouse-ear (Cerastium duffusum) but the flowers are more conspicuous and showy and they have 5 petals and 5 sepals. 

Native