How much sun does Northern Starwort need?

Northern Starwort grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Northern Starwort bloom?

Northern Starwort blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Northern Starwort native?

Northern Starwort (Stellaria calycantha) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Northern Starwort attract?

Northern Starwort draws bees and beetles.

Is Northern Starwort HOA-friendly?

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

Northern Starwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Stellaria calycantha

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Northern Starwort (Stellaria calycantha) 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

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 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

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies

Stellaria calycantha is a low-growing native perennial that forms small clumps of delicate foliage in partially shaded areas. This diminutive wildflower produces tiny white blooms from May through July and thrives with moderate moisture. Its compact size makes it suitable for understory plantings and naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern 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 stature may appear weedy or unkempt
Unknown leaf retention could mean messy dormant appearance
Tiny flowers lack visual impact for formal landscaping

Wildlife value

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

Common questions

How much sun does Northern Starwort need?: Northern Starwort grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Northern Starwort bloom?: Northern Starwort blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Northern Starwort native?: Northern Starwort (Stellaria calycantha) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Northern Starwort attract?: Northern Starwort draws bees and beetles.
Is Northern Starwort HOA-friendly?: Northern 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 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 Starwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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