Stellaria holostea L.
Addersmeat
Greater stitchwort is a familiar native perennial of spring, brightening woodland edges, hedge banks and shady verges with drifts of clean white stars. It is altogether bolder than its lesser cousin: the flowers are larger, up to about 2cm across, with five white petals split to roughly halfway, and the plant forms loose patches of brittle, square stems clothed in narrow, pointed, rough-edged leaves.
About
Greater stitchwort is a familiar native perennial of spring, brightening woodland edges, hedge banks and shady verges with drifts of clean white stars. It is altogether bolder than its lesser cousin: the flowers are larger, up to about 2cm across, with five white petals split to roughly halfway, and the plant forms loose patches of brittle, square stems clothed in narrow, pointed, rough-edged leaves. The fragile stems snap easily, a trait that lies behind the old name addersmeat and the folk belief that picking it brought on stitches.
Widespread throughout Britain and Ireland on neutral to mildly acid soils, it thrives in dappled shade beneath hedges and in open woodland. Flowering chiefly from April to June, it is an early source of nectar and pollen for bees, hoverflies and butterflies. It suits woodland-edge planting, hedgerow bottoms and shadier corners of a wildflower scheme.
Also known as
Easter-bell · Greater Stitchwort · adder's-meat · greater starwort · greater stichwort · greater stitchwort
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.