Overview
Scleranthus is a genus of low, cushion- or mat-forming herbs in the family Caryophyllaceae, with about 10 species found in Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The genus includes weedy annuals such as S. annuus and dense perennial cushion plants such as S. biflorus and S. uniflorus from Australia and New Zealand. Cushion species form tight, bright green mounds 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) tall and 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) wide of slender, crowded, awl-shaped leaves, resembling moss or clipped turf. The flowers are tiny, green, and petalless, set in the leaf axils, and are barely visible. Cushion species grow on rocky, gritty ground and form hummocks that follow the contours beneath them. In wet or shaded sites the cushions rot and open at the center. Annual species are upright and short-lived.
Native Range
Distributed across Europe, the Mediterranean, temperate Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Cushion-forming species such as S. biflorus grow on rocky alpine and subalpine ground in Australia and New Zealand, while S. annuus occurs as a weed of sandy, acidic cultivated and waste ground across Europe.Suggested Uses
Cushion species are grown in rock gardens, troughs, gravel gardens, and between paving, spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart, as a low green carpet. The moss-like mounds suit alpine and miniature plantings. Wet or shaded sites limit their use.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 4"
Width/Spread8" - 2'
Bloom Information
Tiny green petalless flowers appear in summer, roughly June to August, set in the leaf axils. The flowers are barely visible against the foliage. Seed ripens through summer and self-sows into open ground.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established