Boreal starwort (Stellaria borealis, Fl. Boston., ed. 2: 182 (1824))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: Bigelow

Bibliography: Fl. Boston., ed. 2: 182 (1824)

Year: 1824

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Stellaria

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: N. & NE. Europe, Subarctic America to N., & W. U.S.A.

Description

Boreal starwort, scientifically known as Stellaria borealis, is a delicate and noteworthy species of flowering plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. This plant has been meticulously documented in various botanical texts, including Bigelow’s second edition of “Flora of Boston” published in 1824.

Stellaria borealis is prevalent in a diverse range of habitats across the Northern Hemisphere. Its presence spans the subarctic regions of America, extending to northern and western parts of the United States. Additionally, this hardy plant flourishes in the cool climates of Northern and Northeastern Europe, making it a common sight in these areas.

The plant is easily recognized by its small, star-shaped flowers, which contribute to its common name, Boreal starwort. The flowering structure consists of five deeply lobed petals, often appearing as ten pointed segments due to the deep divisions, creating a star-like effect. This distinctive floral morphology is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally adept at attracting pollinators in its native habitats.

Boreal starwort thrives in moist, shaded environments, often found along stream banks, in wet meadows, and within the undergrowth of boreal forests. It prefers cool, damp soils, demonstrating a particular affinity for the moist, nutrient-rich substrates found in these regions. The foliage of Stellaria borealis is characterized by its slender leaves, which are typically linear to lanceolate in shape, contributing to the plant’s delicate overall appearance.

Despite its modest size and unobtrusive presence, Boreal starwort plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. It serves as a food source for various insects and small animals, supporting the intricate web of life in its native habitats. Further, its adaptability to cold, damp environments makes it an important species for studying plant resilience and ecological interactions in subarctic and temperate regions.

In summary, Stellaria borealis, known commonly as Boreal starwort, is a resilient and ecologically significant member of the Caryophyllaceae family. With a widespread presence across Northern and Northeastern Europe, as well as subarctic America to the northern and western United States, it thrives in cool, moist habitats, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological complexity of these regions.

Common Names

Eng: boreal starwort, boreal stitchwort, northern stitchwort
Nno: fjellstjerneblom
Nob: fjellstjerneblom
Swe: norrlandsarv, pohjantähtimö, norrlandsstjärnblomma
Fin: pohjantähtimö
Fra: stellaire boréale
En: Boreal starwort, Boreal stitchwort, Northern stitchwort
Fi: Pohjantähtimö
Fr: Stellaire boréale
Is: Línarfi
Nb: Fjellstjerneblom
Nn: Fjellstjerneblom
Fa: گندمک شمالی
Sv: Norrlandsarv, Pohjantähtimö, Norrlandsstjärnblomma

Synonyms

• Arenaria lateriflora (Darl.)
• Stellaria borealis f. apetala (Kurtz)
• Micropetalon lanceolatum (Pers.)
• Stellaria borealis f. glaucescens (Kurtz)
• Stellaria calycantha var. isophylla ((Fernald) Fernald)
• Stellaria calycantha var. latifolia (B.Boivin)
• Spergulastrum lanceolatum (Michx.)
• Stellaria calycantha var. laurentiana (Fernald)
• Alsine borealis ((Bigelow) Britton)
• Stellularia borealis ((Bigelow) Kuntze)
• Stellaria borealis var. apetala (Regel)
• Alsine borealis var. alpestris (Britton)
• Stellaria calycantha var. floribunda ((Fernald) Fernald)
• Stellaria borealis var. floribunda (Fernald)
• Stellaria calycantha subsp. interior (Hultén)
• Stellaria borealis var. isophylla (Fernald)
• Stellaria borealis f. subcorollina (Kurtz)
• Stellaria borealis f. macrantha (Kurtz)
• Stellaria laxa (Behm)
• Stellaria mollis (Wirzén)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Finland (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Mar 7, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:244154-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384671)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Stellaria borealis Bigelow)

Specifications

Growth