Bog Stitchwort, Bog chickweed
Stellaria alsine

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

Stellaria alsine is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from May to June. 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

Streamsides, flushes, wet tracks and woodland ridges.

Most of Europe, including Britain, to temperate Asia and N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves and shoots - raw or cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The whole plant is carminative, depurative and galactogogue. It promotes hydrosis. A decoction is used as an antidote against snakebite, in the treatment of colds, traumatic injuries and pimples. The fresh herb can be crushed for external application.

Antidote: Counters poisoning.

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

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

Galactogogue: Promotes the flow of milk in a nursing mother.

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Other

Rating:

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

How it is grown

Prefers a moist soil.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

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 uliginosa. Stellaria uliginosa