Lesser stitchwort
Stellaria graminea

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

Stellaria graminea is a deciduous Perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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. It cannot tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Agricultural fields, roadsides, trail edges, gravel pits, waste areas. Part shade, sun; sandy or gravelly disturbed soil. In New Zealand in wetlands and margins of water bodies and wet grassland.

Native to Eurasia but it is widespread around other parts of the temperate world as an introduced species and a common weed.

Conservation Status: Not Listed

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Leaves and shoots used in salads or lightly cooked as a vegetable. Harvest young shoot in spring to summer.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The common name Stitchwort is a reference to a herbal remedy in which the various stitchwort plant were used - allegedly to cure that pain in the side known as 'stitch', which afflicts many people when they try to run after a long layoff from sporting activities.

Other

Rating: 2

Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees and flies primarily. The caterpillars of several moth species feed on the foliage of Chickweeds, including Agrostis venerabilis (Venerable Dart), Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave), and Haematopis grataria (Chickweed Geometer). Mourning Doves and various sparrows occasionally eat the seeds of Chickweeds, while rabbits and groundhogs eat the foliage. Attractive flowers. A good bee plant.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

A rhizomatous perennial herb producing branching stems which are prostrate, sprawling, trailing, or erect. An attractive chickweed. Typical growing conditions are full sun and moist to mesic soil. Grows quite well in loam or clay-loam. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fleshy. Thick or swollen - fibrous or tap root .

Propagating it: Seed - broadcast in spring.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth: Fast

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The leaves 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. Report of paralysis attributed to excessive intake. Should not be used during pregnancy or during breastfeeding .

Known to be weedy

Its other names

Local names

Common starwort, Grass-leaved stitchwort, Lesser stitchwort, Grass-like starwort, grass-leaved chickweed, small starwort, lesser chickweed, Iceland: Akurarfi.

Synonyms

Alsine graminea (L.) Britton. Cerastium gramineum Crantz. S. gramineoides Hazit. S. patentifolia Kitag. S. (L.) Kuntze