Stellaria humifusa, commonly known as Saltmarsh Starwort, is a perennial herb native to coastal salt marshes and brackish wetlands in northern North America and Eurasia. It is particularly adapted to saline environments, often found growing in the upper reaches of the intertidal zone where it can tolerate periodic flooding by saltwater. This plant typically forms low, sprawling mats with slender stems and small, lanceolate leaves. The flowers are white, with five deeply notched petals, blooming from late spring to early summer. While not particularly showy, the flowers are a critical part of the plant’s life cycle in its native habitat.

Saltmarsh Starwort is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and reduce erosion in coastal areas, making it useful for habitat restoration projects. It is also appreciated for its resilience and adaptability, which allow it to thrive in harsh, saline conditions where few other plants can survive. In cultivation, it requires conditions that mimic its natural habitat, including full sun to part shade, consistently moist to wet soil, and good tolerance to salinity. It is not commonly used in traditional gardens but may be of interest for naturalized areas or as a ground cover in saline soils.CC BY-SA 4.0