Cerastium arvense L.

Rhizomatous perennial, with caespitose rosettes of short non-flowering axillary branches. Flowering stems decumbent, (5)–10–30–(45) cm tall, with reflexed, eglandular hairs. Lvs narrowly oblanceolate to lanceolate, to linear- lanceolate, ± sessile, (5)–10–20–(30) × 2–5 mm, with eglandular hairs. Infl. lax; pedicels > sepals, with dense glandular and eglandular hairs. Bracts ovate, with scarious margins and short glandular and long eglandular hairs beneath. Sepals with scarious margin, hairy as for bracts but glabrous at apex, 5–7 mm long. Petals almost twice as long as sepals. Styles 2.5–3 mm long. Capsule cylindric, c. 11/2× length of calyx. Seeds c. 1 mm long, tuberculate.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Oct.–Nov.–(Feb.); Fruiting: Nov.–Jan.–(Mar.)