Boreal Starwort
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(Stellaria borealis)
Boreal Starwort (Stellaria borealis)
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© Chloe and Trevor Van Loon
CC BY 4.0
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© Chloe and Trevor Van Loon
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Chloe and Trevor Van Loon | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: chloe_and_trevor | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Stellaria borealis, commonly known as Boreal Starwort, is a rhizomatous perennial herb that is part of the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to a variety of moist and wet habitats across the circumboreal region, including boreal forests, wet meadows, streambanks, and moist tundra areas. This plant typically forms dense mats of branching stems that can spread widely. The leaves are lance-shaped, and the stems bear small, star-shaped flowers with five deeply lobed white petals that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are not particularly showy but are delicate and attractive upon close inspection.
Boreal Starwort is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used to stabilize soil in riparian restoration projects. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and can be used as a ground cover in moist, shaded garden areas. In cultivation, it prefers consistently moist soil, partial to full shade, and cool temperatures. It is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but it can be sensitive to drought and excessive heat. It can spread readily in suitable conditions, so gardeners should consider this when planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Boreal Starwort is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used to stabilize soil in riparian restoration projects. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and can be used as a ground cover in moist, shaded garden areas. In cultivation, it prefers consistently moist soil, partial to full shade, and cool temperatures. It is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but it can be sensitive to drought and excessive heat. It can spread readily in suitable conditions, so gardeners should consider this when planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to boreal forests, wet meadows, streambanks, and moist tundra areas
Other Names
Common Names: Northern Starwort, Northern Chickweed, Boreal Stitchwort, Northern Stitchwort, Boreal Chickweed
Scientific Names: Stellaria borealis, Alsine borealis, Alsine borealis var. alpestris, Arenaria lateriflora, Micropetalon lanceolatum, Spergulastrum lanceolatum, Stellaria aquatica, Stellaria borealis f. apetala, Stellaria borealis f. glaucescens
GBIF Accepted Name: Stellaria borealis