Specimen collected in Rübgarten, Germany, 05/2020
Specimen collected in Rübgarten, Germany, 05/2020(Backlit)

Stellaria holostea

Scientific Name
Stellaria holostea
FAMILY
caryophyllaceae
LIFESPAN
perennial
BLOSSOM SYMMETRY
radial
Common Name
Greater stitchwort
ORDER
caryophyllales
BLOSSOM COLOR
white
PHYLLOTAXIS
opposite

Stellaria holostea, commonly known as greater stitchwort, is a graceful perennial wildflower native to Europe and western Asia. It is easily recognized by its starry white flowers, each with deeply notched petals that appear like ten rather than five. The plant’s slender, brittle stems inspired the name “stitchwort,” as they were once used in folk remedies for side stitches. Unlike many woodland flowers, it prefers bright, semi-shaded hedgerows and light woodlands, where it forms airy drifts in spring. Its early, abundant blossoms are an important nectar source for small bees, hoverflies, and day-flying moths.

More Specimens

Detail of specimen collected in Rübgarten, Germany, 05/2020
Detail of specimen collected in Rübgarten, Germany, 05/2020(Backlit)
Specimen collected in Stuttgart, Germany, 04/2022
Specimen collected in Stuttgart, Germany, 04/2022(Backlit)
Detail of specimen collected in Stuttgart, Germany, 04/2022
Detail of specimen collected in Stuttgart, Germany, 04/2022(Backlit)