Star chickweed (Stellaria pubera, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 273 (1803))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 273 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Stellaria

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: EC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Star chickweed, scientifically known as Stellaria pubera, is a charming flowering plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. First introduced to the botanical community by Michaux in 1803, this plant has been admired for centuries for its delicate beauty and ecological significance.

Native to the Eastern and Central regions of the United States, Star chickweed thrives in a variety of habitats, ranging from woodlands to rocky outcrops. It is particularly well-suited to shaded areas where it can often be found carpeting the forest floor in early spring. The plant is a perennial, meaning it returns year after year, contributing to the stability and health of its local ecosystem.

From an aesthetic standpoint, Stellaria pubera is noted for its distinctive star-like white flowers that give it its common name. Each flower consists of five deeply lobed petals, which can sometimes seem like ten slender pieces due to their unique shape. These blooms typically appear in the spring, presenting a striking contrast against its dark green, ovate leaves that grow in opposite pairs along the stem.

The structure and growth habits of Star chickweed not only make it a delightful addition to wildflower gardens but also an important subject for ecological studies. Its presence in a given area often indicates a healthy, undisturbed habitat, which makes it an excellent indicator species for conservationists and naturalists.

In addition to its ecological and aesthetic value, Star chickweed holds a modest place in herbal traditions. Some regional practices have historically employed parts of the plant for their purported medicinal properties, although it is always recommended to consult with a knowledgeable practitioner before using any wild plant for such purposes.

Overall, Stellaria pubera, or Star chickweed, is a robust and resilient species that plays a significant role in its native environments, delighting both plant enthusiasts and professionals with its simple yet elegant floral displays and its contribution to the biodiversity of Eastern and Central U.S. woodlands.

Common Names

Eng: star chickweed
En: Star chickweed

Synonyms

• Alsine pubera ((Michx.) Britton)
• Stellaria pubera subsp. homotricha (Bég.)
• Stellaria pubera subsp. typica (Bég.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 24, 2020 by Serena boettcher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Catherine Davidson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2021 by Debra Blair (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Pam Herbert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2020 by Francis Gay (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 17, 2020 by Franklin Barrett (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Vincent Amanda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Matthew Dyer (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 26, 2016 by EOL − dearyasumi (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 26, 2016 by EOL − dearyasumi (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 25, 2016 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 3, 2016 by EOL − dctr (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 24, 2020 by Serena boettcher (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Burns (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384664)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:159421-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Stellaria pubera Michx.)

Specifications

Growth