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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Arenaria capillaris (Beautiful sandwort)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

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

1 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Subshrub
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 10 inches tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AK , ID , MT , NV , OR , WA
Canada: 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: Low
Light 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 Plants
FNA: Find Arenaria capillaris in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Arenaria capillaris

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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