Caryophyllaceae

Sagina saginoides

Alpine Pearlwort

Cushion of slender ascending stems. Flowerless leaf rosettes often present. Leaves narrowly linear in basal tufts 1/2 in. or less long. Flower stalks thread-like, hairless, 1/3–1 in. long. Flowers consist of 4–5 hairless sepals slightly longer or shorter than the 4–5 white petals. Grows in moist areas, along streams, at mid- to high elevations. Superficially moss-like. Common in most mountains of Pacific Northwest. Similar S. procumbens, arctic pearlwort, with stout stems and petals less than half as long as sepals, is found in gravelly or sandy soils, sidewalk cracks, disturbed places.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Mid Summer
• Life Cycle: Biennial, Perennial
• Height: 1/2--5 inches
• Habitat: Subalpine, Alpine, East-Side Forest, West-Side Forest
• Found In: Steens, Wallowas, Mt. Rainier Np, Olympic Np, Siskiyous, N Cascades Np
• Native: Yes