Herniaria glabra aka Herniary Breastwort

Herniaria glabra is a low plant known as smooth rupturewort. Other names include burstwort, herniary, and Turk's herb. It belongs to the pink family, Caryophyllaceae. Its native range spans Europe, northwest Africa, and parts of Asia. It reaches Mongolia and Sichuan in China. It is native to Britain, where it grows in dry, sandy places. Plants For A Future describes its English sites as scarce and local.

Garden sources describe it as a creeping perennial. Kew also records an annual or subshrub life form. Its trailing growth forms a close mat across the soil. Plants reach about 0.25 feet [0.075 metres] tall. The RHS gives an upper height of 0.33 feet [0.1 metres]. The mat spreads 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metres] wide. It takes two to five years to reach full size. Tiny green leaves turn bronze during winter. The foliage stays evergreen or partly evergreen, according to the RHS.

Small green flowers grow in clusters among the leaves. The RHS places bloom from late spring into early summer. Chicago Botanic Garden records white or green flowers in July and August. These sources give different bloom seasons, so timing may vary. The low leaves and small blooms suit its role as ground cover. Spring bulbs can grow through its mat, according to Plants For A Future.

Grow it in full sun or part shade. The RHS accepts any soil that drains well. Its listed soils include loam, sand, and chalk. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Chicago Botanic Garden lists moist soil, while the RHS notes drought resistance. Good drainage remains a clear need across the RHS guidance. The RHS rates it H7 for UK hardiness. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 7–11. These are separate rating systems, rather than matching climate limits.

Use it in rock gardens, beds, or along banks and slopes. It also suits pots, patios, and small courtyard gardens. Sow seed indoors in spring or autumn. Remove damaged leaves in spring. The RHS reports few pest or disease problems. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy. That source lists no known food use or hazard. This does not establish safety for people or pets. It records herbal use for urinary complaints and skin ulcers. Those records describe past uses, not proof of safe treatment. It also records a water extract used to wash hands.