Lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea
Table of Contents
Lesser stitchwort is a low growing, charming and delicate wildflower belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. It’s native to the UK where it is widespread throughout the country, it thrives in various habitats, including grassland, meadows, roadside verges, and woodland edges.
Plant family: Caryophyllaceae
Aliases: Grass-leaved stitchwort, starwort
Flowering period: May – August
Flower colour: White
Preferred soil type: Moist, well drained
Habitat: Open woodland, heathland, grassland, meadows
Status: Common
General information
The delicate looking lesser stitchwort is a perennial plant that’s native to the UK. The plants slender, wiry stems typically grow between 20 to 40 cm tall, however, if they’re growing in shaded areas and searching for light or growing amongst the support of other vegetation, they can grow even taller.
It grows in a variety of habitats, including grassy places, meadows, roadsides verges, hedgerows and woodland margins, it’s happiest growing in moist, free-draining soils. Although it will tolerate partial shade it generally prefers sites that receive ample sun light.
Identification
Flowers: Each flower is white in colour typically has five deeply divided petals, often appearing as ten due to the depth of the divisions. Lesser stitchwort flowers measure up to 15mm across, they have a delicate, intricate appearance about them and bloom from late spring to early summer.
Leaves: The leaves are grass like, in that they are narrow and linear, they measure between 1 – 3cm in length. They have a somewhat smooth appearance with a glossy surface.
Value for wildlife
The small, star-shaped, white flowers of lesser stitchwort are rich in pollen and nectar, which attracts a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, moths, hoverflies and other insects.
Uses for Lesser stitchwort
Unlike other member of the Stellaria genus, such as common chickweed, lesser stitchwort is not regarded as an edible wild flower. In fact some sources suggest this plant could even be toxic to humans if consumed, so it should be avoided.
Lesser stitchwort has been used in traditional folk medicine for its healing properties. Medicinal used of this plant include the treatment of stitches and pain, anti-inflammatory uses, healing wounds and it also has diuretic properties.
Lesser stitchwort gallery
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