Cardionema ramosissimum is a beach-dwelling plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, which is known by the common name sandcarpet. Description Cardionema ramosissimum is a flat or clumping mat-forming perennial plant which grows along the coastline of western North America, as well as Chile. From a taproot it extends many petite to sprawling stems up to 30 centimeters long and covered in very tiny leaves, which are about a centimeter long and needlelike. Filling in the spaces between the spine-shaped leaves are long stipules. The plant bears tiny woolly flowers. Uses This thick plant forms a blanket on the sand and can be used for erosion control on beaches. External links Jepson Manual Treatment: Cardionema ramosissimum USDA Plants Profile Cardionema ramosissimum — U.C.Photo gallery Caryophyllaceae Flora of the West Coast of the United States Flora of Chile Flora of California Flora without expected TNC conservation status