How much sun does Boreal Starwort need?

Boreal Starwort grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Boreal Starwort bloom?

Boreal Starwort blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Boreal Starwort native?

Boreal Starwort (Stellaria borealis) is native to CA, CO, CT, ID and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Boreal Starwort attract?

Boreal Starwort draws bees and beetles.

Is Boreal Starwort HOA-friendly?

Boreal Starwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Boreal Starwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Stellaria borealis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Boreal Starwort (Stellaria borealis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, CT, ID and 19 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Boreal starwort is a low-growing perennial groundcover with small white star-shaped flowers that bloom from May through August. This compact plant forms neat mats in partially shaded areas and requires moderate watering to thrive.

In an HOA neighborhood

Boreal Starwort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very small flowers may appear weedy to HOAs
Low informal growth pattern lacks structure
Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the long summer blooming period. Its low groundcover habit provides shelter for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Boreal Starwort need?: Boreal Starwort grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Boreal Starwort bloom?: Boreal Starwort blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Boreal Starwort native?: Boreal Starwort (Stellaria borealis) is native to CA, CO, CT, ID and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Boreal Starwort attract?: Boreal Starwort draws bees and beetles.
Is Boreal Starwort HOA-friendly?: Boreal Starwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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