Herniaria hirsuta aka Hairy Rupturewort

Herniaria hirsuta is a small plant known as hairy rupturewort. It is part of Caryophyllaceae, the pink family. Its native range spans Europe and central Asia. It also covers the western Himalaya and northern Africa. The range reaches the Arabian Peninsula as well. Kew lists it as an annual or subshrub. Garden accounts call it an annual. It has spread beyond its native range into North America. It now grows in some parts of the United States.

This low plant trails across the ground and forms mats. Stiff hairs coat its small stems as they spread. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a height of just 0.08–0.17 feet [0.025–0.05 metres]. Its listed garden height reaches about 0.26 feet [0.08 metres]. The stems spread about 0.5–0.67 feet [0.15–0.20 metres] across. The listed garden spread reaches 0.75 feet [0.23 metres]. This low growth suits spots where taller plants would hide bulbs. Its yellowish green flowers bloom from June to July.

Grow hairy rupturewort in full sun and soil that drains well. It prefers sandy loam and grows on sandy ground. Average soil with a medium supply of moisture suits it. Avoid soil that stays too wet. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 2–9 for garden use. It also says the plant needs little care. Plants are self-fertile: they can set seed with their own pollen. They can take hold over time where conditions suit them. This helps explain their use in plantings left to spread. Plants may also stay beyond the time of their first planting.

Use it in beds, rock gardens, or as low ground cover. Spring bulbs can grow up through its low cover. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major problems with insects or disease. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy. New plants can grow from seed. That source says to start seed in a cold frame in spring. Plant out after the last frost you expect.

Plants For A Future lists no known food use. It notes use as a remedy to help urine flow. It also notes use to treat sore throats. These records do not show that home use is safe. The source calls two substances in the plant toxic. These are coumarins and saponins. Its name recalls an old belief that it could treat hernias. A water extract has also served as a hand cleanser.