Glade Sandwort (Arenaria patula)

Small, bushy smooth annual, 4-10" tall, highly branched at the base. 

Leaves: opposite, numerous, needle-like, to 0.8" long. 

Flowers: numerous, white, about 0.5" wide, 5 notched petals; 5 sepals are narrowly lanceolate and slightly shorter than petals. 

Bloom time: April - June.

Where found: limestone cedar glades, shallow sandy soil, and dry limestone cliffs from OH to MN, south to VA, AL and TX. In TN, in Middle and East TN. Frequent. 

Note: The genus name Arenaria is Latin, from arena, meaning "sand," in reference to the fact that most species of these herbs prefer sandy areas; patula means "spreading", referring to the low-growing and spreading habits of these plants. Glade Sandwort is easily overlooked because of its small size and thin stems. Throughout the world, there are more than 150 Arenaria species.