Herniaria glabra

Hernaria glabra, also known as Rupturewort or Herniary, is a small evergreen perennial with a particularly prostrate habit, adapted to difficult conditions and dry soils. This plant, long used for its medicinal properties, is also a model of frugality, although not spectacular. It forms a very dense cushion and produces determinedly low-lying stems covered in tiny green leaves, and in summer, small clusters of green flowers as well. Perfectly at ease among stones and very hardy, it thrives in shallow, even stony, poor and dry soil.

Hernaria glabra is a perennial plant of the Caryophyllaceae family, native to almost all of Europe, Western and Boreal Asia, as well as North Africa. It grows from a branching stump, which produces low-lying, slender stems, 20 to 35 cm (8 to 14 in) long, bearing tiny obovate and ciliate leaves of a light and vibrant green shade. Over time, it forms a carpet-like cushion, 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) high and up to 70 cm (28 in) in diameter. The flowering period extends from May to July, depending on the climate. During the flowering period, the leafy stems produce clusters or glomerules of insignificant flowers, not exceeding 1 mm (0.04 in), of the same colour as the foliage, giving the plant a curly appearance and a curious aspect.

A blessing for gardens where the soil lacks depth, Hernaria glabra is one of those plants, like Antennaria dioica, Sedum spectabile or creeping gypsophiles, which are primarily plants adapted to spartan conditions. Pair it with grasses and grey-leaved plants that often tolerate these difficult living conditions, just like it does. You will create a natural and charming scene by associating it with dwarf asters, small grasses like Molinae 'Edith Dudszus', curry plant (Helichrysum italicum), or Anaphalis triplinervis (Himalayan immortelle). Magnificent in rockeries, or along a border in a wild garden, it is also an excellent plant for green walls or roofs.

Hernaria glabra is a medicinal plant: it has diuretic properties and was used in the past to treat gallstones, hence its vernacular name of "herniary". It is also vulnerary (promotes wound healing) and emollient (relaxes the body tissues).