Meadow starwort (Stellaria palustris, Deutschl. Fl.: 152 (1791))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: Ehrh. ex Hoffm.

Bibliography: Deutschl. Fl.: 152 (1791)

Year: 1791

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Stellaria

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Temp. Eurasia

Description

Meadow starwort, scientifically known as Stellaria palustris, is a noteworthy member of the Caryophyllaceae family. This delicate and charming plant has established itself across temperate regions of Eurasia, where it thrives in its preferred habitats.

The existence of Meadow starwort was initially documented in 1791, as noted in “Deutschl. Fl.: 152,” with Ehrhart and Hoffmann being credited for their contributions to its botanical identification. This historical reference marks the formal recognition of the species and underscores its significance within the botanical community.

Characterized by its slender, wiry stems and small, star-shaped white flowers, Meadow starwort typically inhabits marshes, damp meadows, and other moist environments. Its leaves are opposite, linear to lanceolate, and somewhat succulently textured, adapting well to its wet surroundings.

Ecologically, Stellaria palustris plays a role in supporting diverse wetland ecosystems. The plant offers both aesthetic beauty and utility, providing important habitats and food sources for various insects and small wildlife.

In summary, Meadow starwort is a remarkable and enduring species within temperate Eurasia. Its historical documentation and continued presence highlight its role in the rich tapestry of wetland flora.

Common Names

Dan: kær-fladstjerne
Eng: meadow starwort, marsh stitchwort, marsh starwort, european chickweed, water starwort
Deu: sumpf-sternmiere
Swe: kärrstjärnblomma
Sme: njoaskehilsku
Fra: stellaire des marais, stellaire glauque
Cym: serenllys llwydlas, serenllys llwydlas tafod yr edn llwydlas
En: Meadow starwort, European Water Starwort, Marsh stitchwort
Be: Зоркаўка балотная
Bg: Блатна звездица
Zh: 沼生繁缕
Cs: Ptačinec bahenní
Nl: Zeegroene muur
Et: Soo-tähthein
Fi: Luhtatähtimö
Fr: Stellaire des marais, Stellaire glauque
De: Graugrüne Sternmiere, Sumpf-Sternmiere, Sumpfsternmiere
Hu: Mocsári csillaghúr
It: Centocchio delle paludi
No: Myrstjerneblom
Pl: Gwiazdnica błotna
Ru: Звездчатка болотная
Sv: Kärrstjärnblomma
Zh-tw: 沼生繁縷
Zh-hant: 沼生繁縷
Cy: Serenllys llwydlas

Synonyms

• Stellaria heterophylla (Magn.)
• Alsine glauca ((With.) E.H.L.Krause)
• Stellaria hsinganensis (Kitag.)
• Stellaria palustris var. heterophylla ((Magnin) Rouy & Foucaud)
• Stellaria glauca var. pauciflora (Klett & Richt.)
• Stellaria palustris f. ramosa (C.G.Westerl.)
• Stellaria barthiana (Schur)
• Stellaria glauca var. debilis (Regel)
• Larbrea palustris (Fuss)
• Stellaria litigiosa (Magn.)
• Stellaria moenchii (Magn.)
• Stellaria media (Sibth.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Québec (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken May 15, 2022 by Cédric Jankowiak (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Alexandra Fessard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2020 by raphael giot (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2022 by Casaubonus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2020 by Carla Duval (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by laura brody (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2022 by Christian Proux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2022 by Christian Proux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2020 by Carla Duval (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2022 by Cédric Jankowiak (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 10, 2022 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2021 by Chidouche Chidouche Pierrette (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 30, 2021 by K Desvignes (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2020 by zaunkönig (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2022 by h m (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2021 by pierre tarif (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2020 by Selma H. (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 13, 2020 by Nagy Viktor (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2020 by zaunkönig (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:329693-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8127028)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Stellaria palustris Ehrh. ex Retz.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8407946)

Specifications

Growth