Caryophyllaceae

(Pink family)

Herbs with mostly opposite, entire leaves, often united at base. Stems usually swollen at nodes (joints). Eighteen general, 100 + species. Common general: Agrostemma (corn cockle), Cerastium and Stellaria (chickweed), Spergula, Silene.

Cerastium vuIgatum

Mouseear Chickweed

Perennial. Hairy, slender, spreading to erect stems. Leaves small, very hairy, opposite, attached directly to stem. Five small, white flower petals notched at tips. Seed pods very small with many tiny, brown seed. Found in lawns, pastures, abandoned fields.