American chickweed
Stellaria dichotoma

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

Stellaria dichotoma is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Barren steppes and stony slopes. Slopes, stony and sandy hills and steppes at elevations of 200 - 3100 metres in northern China.

E. Asia - China, Siberia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The root is anticholesterolemic, depurative and febrifuge. It is used in the treatment of fever and malaria, night sweats, infantile malnutrition.

Anticholesterolemic: Prevents the build up of cholesterol.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The sub-species S. dichotoma lanceolata. Bunge. is used medicinally in China. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moist soil.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no mention has been seen for this species, the leaves of some members of this genus contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Alsine americana. Arenaria stephaniana var. americana. Stellaria dichotoma L. var. americana