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Northern Starflower

Trientalis borealis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Northern Starflower (Trientalis borealis) is a perennial forb native to AL, CT, DE, GA and 21 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bees and beetles.

Northern Starflower (Trientalis borealis)
Photo: (c) Sandra Keller, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandra Keller

Toxicity unknown

Northern Starflower (Trientalis 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

3"–8" H × 2"–4" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, CT, DE, GA and 21 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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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Starflower is a delicate woodland perennial that forms small patches of star-shaped white flowers above whorled leaves in late spring. This diminutive native plant thrives in shaded areas and naturalizes slowly through underground rhizomes. It goes completely dormant by midsummer, disappearing until the following spring.

Growing Northern Starflower

Grow Northern Starflower in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 3 to 8 inches tall and spread 2 to 4 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern Starflower 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 and can appear sparse or insignificant
  • May go dormant and disappear seasonally
  • Looks more like a wildflower than cultivated plant

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during its brief blooming period in May and June.

Common questions

How much sun does Northern Starflower need?
Northern Starflower grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Northern Starflower bloom?
Northern Starflower blooms in May and June.
Where is Northern Starflower native?
Northern Starflower (Trientalis borealis) is native to AL, CT, DE, GA and 21 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Northern Starflower attract?
Northern Starflower draws bees and beetles.
Is Northern Starflower HOA-friendly?
Northern Starflower 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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