Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-summer DD I
This Italian introduction has been very popular in rock gardens and is one of those escaped plants which does well in the UK. There are large patches of it all over the Great Orme for instance and the plants have established themselves amongst the native competing vegetation. This specimen was one of many which has escaped over the garden walls nearby but which has been known here for decades. Even on a beach sprayed by salt sea-water in winter it still flourishes.
The plant tends to flower freely and the obvious diagnostic is the grey leaves hence tomentosum. It is found all over England, Wales and Scotland except for the very high ground in each country. It is found dotted throughout Ireland.
Pensarn beach Abergele, 4th May 2005
Added on 9th October 2005, updated 27th November 2008, updated 12th March 2010, updated Se3 3rd May 2010