Stellaria graminea

An alien stitchwort with grass-like leaves

Stellaria graminea lesser starwort

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneously

This attractive little perennial wildflower is native to Eurasia, but has spread to most of North America except the Deep South and desert regions. It is a member of the pink family. It is distinguished from other related native and alien species (stitchworts and chickweeds) by its small narrow leaves. Flowering stalks occur at the top of the 12-20 inch vertical stem. The flowers are 3/8 inch in diameter and have five white petals. These petals are so deeply cleft that it often appears to have ten petals. The five green sepals are hairy. The stems of the plant are 4-angled, weak and smooth. It grows in grassy places, including lawns and along roadsides. It blooms almost all season - from May until October. In some places it grows in large colonies and is considered a weed in some farming areas. It is also called the grassleaf stitchwort.

Contributed by: Mark Welchley

Common in swampy woods, moist mewdows, stream banks or moist slopes.

Present throughout the state.

Wetland codes
EMP: FACU
NCNE: UPL



Flowers May through September.

Stellaria graminea lesser starwort

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneously
Stellaria graminea gallery
Plant Life-Form
perennial forb
Common Names
lesser starwort little starwort lesser stitchwort grassleaf stitchwort