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Sagina spp.

pearlworts

Caryophyllaceae

Temperate Northern Hemisphere, with weedy spread worldwide

Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–8

Overview

Sagina spp. is a genus of about 30 species of very small, low-growing annual and perennial herbs in the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), native mainly to the cooler, temperate, and mountainous parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Plants form dense, moss-like mats or cushions only 1-10 cm (0.4-4 in) high, with thread-like stems and tiny, narrow, awl-shaped leaves crowded along them. The small flowers are 2-5 mm across, white, with four or five petals (sometimes none), held on slender stalks above the foliage. S. subulata, the heath pearlwort, is grown as a moss-like groundcover and lawn substitute, including a yellow-green form sold as Scotch moss. Flowering occurs through late spring and summer, followed by small capsules that split to release numerous seeds. Sagina spp. grows in damp, compacted, sandy or gravelly ground, paving cracks, paths, and streambanks. The mat-forming species spread quickly in moist conditions and can become weedy in lawns and between pavers, while the cushion species are sensitive to drying out.

Native Range

Native across the temperate and cool regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with additional species in temperate South America and on tropical mountains. Several species, including S. procumbens, have spread widely as weeds beyond their original range.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a moss-like groundcover, lawn substitute, and filler between paving stones and in rock and trough gardens. The yellow-green Scotch moss form is used for colour contrast in alpine and miniature plantings.

How to Identify

Recognised as a low, moss-like mat or cushion of thread-thin stems and tiny awl-shaped leaves, dotted with small white flowers on slender stalks. The four- or five-petalled flowers and the dry, several-seeded capsule place it in the pink family rather than among true mosses, which produce spores. Crushed mats are not aromatic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1" - 4"

Width/Spread6" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Spring Summer

Most species flower from late spring through summer, roughly May to August. The small white flowers open in sunshine and are easily overlooked against the dense foliage. Self-pollination is common, and seed is set freely through the season.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green to yellow-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1 year

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Sagina spp. grows in full sun to partial shade in moist, free-draining sandy or gravelly soil and dislikes both drought and prolonged waterlogging. The moss-like groundcover species need steady moisture and can scorch or develop dead brown patches in hot, dry weather. Light foot traffic is tolerated, which makes the mats useful between stepping stones. Little feeding is needed, and rich soil promotes loose, open growth. Propagation is from seed or by lifting and dividing rooted sections of the mat. In humid, crowded conditions the cushions can rot in patches and may need replanting.

Pruning

No formal pruning is required. Dead brown patches can be raked out and replanted with rooted pieces to keep the mat dense. Flowering stems may be sheared off where self-seeding into paths or lawns is unwanted.