Lesser Stitchwort
Stellaria graminea
Also listed as Alsine graminea, Stellularia graminea
Also known as Stitchwort, Grass-leaf Stitchwort, Grass-leaved Starwort
Climate Match for your location
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A delicate, low-growing perennial with fine grass-like foliage and tiny white star-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. It makes an attractive groundcover or edging plant for borders and woodland gardens.
Why grow it
Lesser stitchwort offers a finer, more delicate texture than many common groundcovers, with minimal maintenance once established in appropriate conditions. It performs well in partial shade and moist soil where coarser grasses might struggle, making it useful for woodland edges and shaded border transitions. The small white flowers provide subtle spring interest without the aggressive self-seeding behavior of some related Stellaria species.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist soil and may thin out or decline in dry conditions, particularly in full sun. In wet clay soils, ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot. It may gradually spread into adjacent plantings through creeping stems, so consider edging if contained growth is desired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate, low-growing perennial with fine grass-like foliage and tiny white star-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. It makes an attractive groundcover or edging plant for borders and woodland gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lesser Stitchwort grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Lesser stitchwort offers a finer, more delicate texture than many common groundcovers, with minimal maintenance once established in appropriate conditions. It performs well in partial shade and moist soil where coarser grasses might struggle, making it useful for woodland edges and shaded border transitions. The small white flowers provide subtle spring interest without the aggressive self-seeding behavior of some related Stellaria species.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist soil and may thin out or decline in dry conditions, particularly in full sun. In wet clay soils, ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot. It may gradually spread into adjacent plantings through creeping stems, so consider edging if contained growth is desired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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