Star chickweed
Stellaria pubera

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

Stellaria pubera is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

High quality woodlands, especially where sandstone is close to the ground surface. Edges of rocky meadows, rocky wooded slopes, wooded bluffs, and the upper slopes of sandstone ravines or rich mesic woodlands.

Native to the eastern United States. Native distribution is from Illinois east to New York, south to Florida, west to Louisiana, and northeast to Kentucky; also in Nebraska and Minnesota.

Conservation Status: Not Listed.

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Leaves. Lettuce like greens - good . Fresh greens - salad, potherb, dried and added to soups. Seeds sprouted and eaten. Probably similar qualities to Stellaria media.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Although no information could be found for this species it is likely to have similar properties to Stellaria media. Stellaria media (Chickweed) has a very long history of herbal use, being particularly beneficial in the external treatment of any kind of itching skin condition. It has been known to soothe severe itchiness even where all other remedies have failed. In excess doses chickweed can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. It should not be used medicinally by pregnant women. The whole plant is astringent, carminative, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, refrigerant, vulnerary. Taken internally it is useful in the treatment of chest complaints and in small quantities it also aids digestion. It can be applied as a poultice and will relieve any kind of roseola and is effective wherever there are fragile superficial veins. An infusion of the fresh or dried herb can be added to the bath water and its emollient property will help to reduce inflammation - in rheumatic joints for example - and encourage tissue repair. Chickweed is best harvested between May and July, it can be used fresh or be dried and stored for later use. A decoction of the whole plant is taken internally as a post-partum depurative, emmenagogue, galactogogue and circulatory tonic. It is also believed to relieve constipation and be beneficial in the treatment of kidney complaints. The decoction is also used externally to treat rheumatic pains, wounds and ulcers. The expressed juice of the plant has been used as an eyewash.

Other

Rating: 3

A good medium to high density grouncover. Soap - Contains saponins. Insectory: The flowers of Star Chickweed attract cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Augochlorella spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), Syrphid flies, and other miscellaneous flies. Butterflies and skippers are rare visitors of the flowers. These insects are attracted primarily to the nectar of the flowers, although some of the bees collect pollen for their larvae and some of the flies feed on pollen as adults. Insects that feed on Stellaria spp., including possibly this chickweed, are the aphid Abstrusomyzus phloxae, the Pale Tortoise Beetle (Cassida flaveola), and caterpillars of a moth, Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave). Domestic animal forage: Used to feed chickens.

How it is grown

A perennial herbaceous wildflower for Partial or Dappled Shade. Water Preferences: Mesic (environment or habitat containing a moderate amount of moisture). Soil pH preferences: Slightly acid (6.1 – 6.5). Flowers: White/Showy. Bloom Time: Mar to May. Resistances: Humidity tolerant.

Propagating it: Seed

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-8

Growth: Fast

Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-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 .

Its other names

Local names

Star Chickweed

Synonyms

Alsine pubera (Michx.) Britton