Common Starwort

(Stellaria graminea)

Common Starwort (Stellaria graminea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Stellaria graminea, commonly known as common starwort or lesser stitchwort, is a rhizomatous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands across Eurasia. It has a widespread presence as an introduced species in temperate regions around the world. This plant typically grows to a height of 10-40 cm with slender, grass-like leaves and bears small, star-shaped white flowers from late spring to early summer. The flowers are not particularly showy but can add a delicate texture to garden settings.

Common starwort is valued for its fine foliage and its ability to form a low-growing, spreading mat, making it suitable for use as a ground cover or in rock gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. While it is generally low maintenance, it can become invasive in some areas, spreading rapidly and outcompeting native plants. Gardeners should ensure it does not escape cultivation and become a problem in natural areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Border Plant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands across Eurasia

Other Names

Common Names: Lesser Stitchwort, Starwort, Grass-Leaf Starwort, Grass-Leaf Stitchwort, Grass-Like Starwort, Grassleaved Stichwort, Grass-Leaved Stitchwort

Scientific Names: , Stellaria graminea, Alsine graminea, Cerastium gramineum, Larbrea graminea, Larbrea graminea, Larbrea graminea var. latifolia, Stellaria arvensis, Stellaria brevifolia, Stellaria flaccida

GBIF Accepted Name: