Alpine Sandwort
ExplorePlants
Alpine Sandwort
cherleria obtusiloba
Alpine Sandwort (Cherleria obtusiloba) is a resilient, low-growing perennial plant that thrives in some of the harshest environments on Earth. Sprouting in dense, moss-like cushions, this remarkable alpine specialist hugs the ground to escape the punishing winds and freezing temperatures of high-altitude mountain peaks. During its short summer blooming window, these green mats transform into a beautiful spectacle, blanketed in tiny, star-shaped white flowers. Its compact, dome-shaped cushions act as natural heat-trappers, allowing the plant to photosynthesize efficiently even when surrounded by snow patches. Highly valued as a 'nurse plant,' Alpine Sandwort creates a microhabitat that accumulates organic matter and traps moisture, paving the way for other less hardy alpine species to colonize barren rocky terrain.
Habitat: Typically found in dry, exposed alpine tundra, gravelly ridges, fellfields, and rocky slopes at or above the treeline.
Appearance
This species is easily recognized by its dense, mat-forming cushion growth habit, which closely resembles a clump of moss. It features tiny, tightly packed, needle-like green leaves that are slightly hairy and sharp-tipped, measuring only about 5 to 10 millimeters long. During the mid-summer flowering season, the foliage is adorned with small, five-petaled flowers that range from creamy white to pale yellow. Each flower, approximately 6 to 10 millimeters in diameter, sits on a short, hairy stalk just above the foliage, displaying prominent orange or yellow anthers at its center.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCaryophyllaceaeGenusCherleria
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Alpine Sandwort cushions can survive for over a century, growing only a few millimeters in diameter each year in their harsh mountain homes.
Despite looking like soft moss, its needle-like leaves form extremely tough, rigid cushions that can withstand freezing winds and light trampling.
The dense interior of the cushion traps dead leaves and debris, creating a self-fertilizing compost pile that nourishes the plant's own roots.
Special abilities
Ability
Cushion Growth Habit
The dense, low-to-the-ground dome shape reduces wind exposure, limits water loss, and traps warm air within the foliage.
Ability
Deep Anchor Taproot
A sturdy, elongated woody taproot anchors the plant securely in loose talus and reaches deep water sources amidst dry rocky soil.
Ability
Thermal Regulation
The plant acts like a solar collector, maintaining internal temperatures up to 15 degrees Celsius warmer than the ambient alpine air.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 3-10 cm
- Weight
- 0.02-0.15 kg
- Lifespan
- 20-100 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotroph, the Alpine Sandwort synthesizes its own organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water using sunlight energy.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Soil nutrients
Ecological connections
mutualism
Polar Bumblebee
Bombus polaris
Pollinated by alpine bees seeking nectar and pollen in extreme environments.
eaten by
American Pika
Ochotona princeps
Harvested by pikas and stored in high-altitude haypiles for winter food.
competitor
Moss Campion
Silene acaulis
Competes for limited rocky soil space and nutrients on exposed alpine ridges.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Alpine Sandwort?
The easiest way to identify Alpine Sandwort is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Alpine Sandwort?
3-10 cm
How much does Alpine Sandwort weigh?
0.02-0.15 kg
How long does Alpine Sandwort live?
20-100 years
What does Alpine Sandwort eat?
As a photoautotroph, the Alpine Sandwort synthesizes its own organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water using sunlight energy.
Where is Alpine Sandwort usually found?
Typically found in dry, exposed alpine tundra, gravelly ridges, fellfields, and rocky slopes at or above the treeline.
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