Stellaria graminea
An alien stitchwort with grass-like leaves
Stellaria graminea lesser starwort

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.
Habitat & Range
Common in swampy woods, moist mewdows, stream banks or moist slopes.
Present throughout the state.
EMP: | FACU |
---|---|
NCNE: | UPL |
Phenology
Flowers May through September.
Comments
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