Marsh Starwort

stellaria palustris

Also known as: ["Marsh Chickweed","Swamp Starwort"]

Family: Caryophyllaceae Genus: Stellaria Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A herbaceous perennial plant native to wetland habitats, characterized by its small, star-shaped flowers and delicate foliage.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Stellaria
Botanical Name: Stellaria palustris

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: moist garden beds or containers in shaded areas
  • Suitable For:
    Wildlife Supporters Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderate to good drainage; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Moist, fertile, well-draining soil; can tolerate clay but prefers loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control spread.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light but thrives with 3–4 hours of morning sun or dappled light.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; avoid direct afternoon sun to prevent scorching; ideal for shaded garden beds or indoor areas with indirect light.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Morning sun preferred; protect from harsh afternoon rays; suitable for shaded spots.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Maintain even soil moisture; avoid letting soil dry out completely; ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Soil

moist, fertile, well-draining soil with high organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil stays moist but not soggy; amend with organic matter for fertility; check drainage before planting.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions and can tolerate frost.

Keep in cool, shaded areas; protect from extreme heat; adjust watering with temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize less in winter; apply to moist soil to aid absorption.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings root easily in water or moist soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Place in water or moist medium.
  4. Keep warm and humid.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; keep soil consistently moist.

Medium

Moist potting mix or water; can also use perlite for better aeration.

Hormone

Not necessary but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or jars, moist medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; change water regularly if using water propagation.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or trim stems just above a leaf node to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or damaged stems as needed.

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp scissors.

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune dead or leggy growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up; increase pot diameter by 1–2 inches.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water consistently, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or peat moss to improve fertility and moisture retention; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or prolonged cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth but can survive light frost; prolonged freezing may damage foliage.

Solution: Provide frost protection in severe cold; mulch to insulate roots; avoid overwatering in cold to prevent root rot.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, turn yellow, or scorch in excessive heat; growth may slow or stop.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Stellaria palustris can indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pathogen infestation, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Stellaria palustris is typically a response to water stress, either due to drought or root damage, which disrupts water uptake and can lead to cellular damage if prolonged.

Leaf spots on Stellaria palustris are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in necrotic lesions that can impair photosynthesis and weaken the plant.

Rotting in Stellaria palustris, particularly root or stem rot, is often caused by fungal pathogens or excessive moisture, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Stellaria palustris is not toxic to cats. No toxic effects or physiological impacts have been documented in felines upon ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is best to prevent pets from consuming wild plants to avoid potential gastrointestinal upset.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Marsh chickweed is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects on canine health from ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Although non-toxic, monitor your pet if they consume any wild plant to ensure no unexpected reactions occur.
Humans
Non-toxic

Stellaria palustris, commonly known as marsh chickweed, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is always advisable to avoid consuming wild plants unless properly identified and confirmed safe for consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Stellaria palustris toxic to pets?

A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.

Q: How does Stellaria palustris grow?

A: It thrives in moist, shaded environments and spreads via rhizomes.

Q: Does Stellaria palustris attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)","outdoor landscapers"]
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