Stellaria graminea L.
Common Stitchwort
Lesser stitchwort is a slender native perennial of the campion and chickweed family, easily overlooked until its starry white flowers appear among the grass. The weak, four-angled stems scramble through surrounding vegetation, carrying narrow, grass-like leaves that give the plant its name.
About
Lesser stitchwort is a slender native perennial of the campion and chickweed family, easily overlooked until its starry white flowers appear among the grass. The weak, four-angled stems scramble through surrounding vegetation, carrying narrow, grass-like leaves that give the plant its name. Each flower is small and delicate, with five white petals so deeply notched they look like ten, set off by reddish anthers at the centre.
Widespread and common across Britain and Ireland, it grows on neutral to slightly acid soils in meadows, rough pasture, heaths, hedge banks, woodland rides and roadside verges, in sun or light shade. The main flush of bloom runs from late May through summer, sometimes continuing into early autumn, offering nectar and pollen to small bees, hoverflies and other insects. Its airy, scrambling habit makes it a charming filler in native grassland and meadow seed mixes on lighter soils.
Also known as
Grass-leaf Starwort · Grass-leaf Stitchwort · Grass-like Starwort · Grassleaved Stichwort · Lesser Stitchwort
Synonyms
Alsine graminea · Cerastium gramineum · Larbrea graminea · Larbrea graminea latifolia · Stellaria arvensis · Stellaria brevifolia · Stellaria flaccida · Stellaria fragilis · Stellaria graminea aurea · Stellaria graminea grandis · Stellaria graminea janoviensis
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.