Northern Starflower
Lysimachia borealis
Also listed as Trientalis borealis, Trientalis americana
Also known as Starflower, American Starflower
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing woodland perennial with delicate white or pale pink star-shaped flowers blooming in early summer. It spreads slowly to form a charming groundcover in shaded forest settings.
Why grow it
Northern starflower occupies a narrow niche as a low groundcover for dense shade and moist woodland soils where many alternatives struggle. Unlike more vigorous woodland spreaders, its slow growth habit makes it suitable for gardeners seeking gradual, controlled colonization of forest understory without aggressive expansion. It offers early-season interest through delicate flowers and provides living mulch that suppresses weeds while preserving the open character of shade gardens.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist soil and may decline in dry shade or poorly drained conditions. Its slow spread means establishing visible coverage requires patience and initial planting density. Because it colonizes gradually, new plantings benefit from regular weeding around young plants until the groundcover thickens.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Primulaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern North America
Native to: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing woodland perennial with delicate white or pale pink star-shaped flowers blooming in early summer. It spreads slowly to form a charming groundcover in shaded forest settings.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Northern Starflower grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Northern starflower occupies a narrow niche as a low groundcover for dense shade and moist woodland soils where many alternatives struggle. Unlike more vigorous woodland spreaders, its slow growth habit makes it suitable for gardeners seeking gradual, controlled colonization of forest understory without aggressive expansion. It offers early-season interest through delicate flowers and provides living mulch that suppresses weeds while preserving the open character of shade gardens.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist soil and may decline in dry shade or poorly drained conditions. Its slow spread means establishing visible coverage requires patience and initial planting density. Because it colonizes gradually, new plantings benefit from regular weeding around young plants until the groundcover thickens.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Primulaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern North America
Native to: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
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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