Birdseye Pearlwort (often mistaken for grass)
Sagina procumbens · Cool-season, Perennial, Forbes (Dicots)
Grass Family
Caryophyllaceae (Pink family - not a true grass)
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed, Ornamental groundcover (when intentional)
Variety / Cultivar
None (Wild species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-9; very cold hardy; does not go dormant as quickly as turf grasses in winter.
About This Grass
A low-growing, moss-like plant that forms dense, bright green mats. While it resembles grass, it consists of tiny branched stems that hug the ground. It remains green year-round in mild climates.
Blade Characteristics
Leaves are linear, needle-like, and very fine (<1mm), appearing in opposite pairs or whorled along the stem. Tips are pointed (mucronate). No ligules or auricles as it is a dicot.
Root System
Shallow, fibrous root system that can root at nodes (stoloniferous), making it difficult to pull completely. Low thatch but high density.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, Asia, and northern North America; widespread in temperate zones
Growth Habit
Prostrate, mat-forming, spreading via short stolons and self-seeding
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun if kept moist. Thrives in wet, compacted soils or between paving stones. Requires frequent water.
Mowing & Maintenance
Requires no mowing as it keeps a naturally low profile (1-2 inches). In lawns, it survives very low mowing heights. Maintenance is low unless being eradicated as a weed.
Special Characteristics
Extreme traffic tolerance; can grow in cracks and compacted soil where true grasses fail. Highly resistant to common grass herbicides (requires dicot-specific treatments).
Ecological Information
Native but often invasive in managed turf. Provides minimal wildlife value but excellent for preventing erosion in small, damp microclimates. Often a companion to moss.