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Long-stalk Starwort

Stellaria longipes

Last reviewed: August 2026

Long-stalk Starwort (Stellaria longipes)
Photo: NPS / Jacob W. Frank: Denali National Park and Preserve / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Long-stalk Starwort (Stellaria longipes) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Long-stalk Starwort as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Long-stalk starwort is a low-growing native perennial that forms small mats of narrow leaves and produces delicate white star-shaped flowers from May through July. This compact wildflower typically stays under a foot tall and spreads slowly, making it suitable for ground cover in partially shaded areas with consistent moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Long-stalk 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 insignificant to HOAs
  • Can look sparse or weedy outside of bloom period
  • Unknown winter appearance creates uncertainty

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during the spring and early summer blooming period. Its low growth habit provides habitat for ground-dwelling beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Long-stalk Starwort need?
Long-stalk Starwort grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Long-stalk Starwort bloom?
Long-stalk Starwort blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Long-stalk Starwort native?
Long-stalk Starwort (Stellaria longipes) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Long-stalk Starwort toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Long-stalk Starwort as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Long-stalk Starwort attract?
Long-stalk Starwort draws bees and beetles.
Is Long-stalk Starwort HOA-friendly?
Long-stalk 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.

Ready to grow Long-stalk Starwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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