Mouse ears
Cerastium spp.
Family: Carophyllaceae
Fire effect on plant
Fire will likely kill mouse ears.
Key traits
Mouse ears are prostate, short-lived perennial herbs with creeping matlike stems that root from the stem joints (Wagner et al. 1999). They are vigorous seed producers (up to 19000 seeds per m2; Williams 1984), and seeds can persist in the soil for at least 5 years (Thompson et al. 1993). Seed dispersal is primarily via wind.
Plant response to fire
The direct effect of fire on cerastium populations is unclear from the literature. However, it is noted that mouse ears behave like biennial or annual species in disturbed places. Regeneration after fire via the soil-stored seed bank is likely.
Timing of life history
Short-lived perennial (but more like an annual or biennial in disturbed habitats). Seeds likely produced in first or second year (dependent on disturbance level). Flowering May to July.
Conservation status
BAP - Cerastium arcticum, Cerastium fontanum subsp. scoticum, Cerastium nigrescens.
References
Thompson, K. B. S. R., Band, S. R., and Hodgson, J. G. 1993. Seed size and shape predict persistence in soil. Functional Ecology 7: 236-241 [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]
Wagner, W.L., Herbst, D.R.and Sohmer, S.H. 1999. Manual of the flowering plants of Hawaii. Revised edition. University of HawaiÍši Press and Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, HI. [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]
Williams, E. D. 1984. Changes during 3 years in the size and composition of the seed bank beneath a long-term pasture as influenced by defoliation and fertilizer regime. Journal of Applied Ecology 21: 603-615. [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]