How much sun does Star Chickweed need?

Star Chickweed grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Star Chickweed bloom?

Star Chickweed blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Star Chickweed native?

Star Chickweed (Stellaria pubera) is native to AL, FL, GA, IL and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Star Chickweed attract?

Star Chickweed draws bees and beetles.

Is Star Chickweed HOA-friendly?

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

Star Chickweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Stellaria pubera

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Star Chickweed (Stellaria pubera) 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"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, FL, GA, IL and 11 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

Piedmont Eastern Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Highlands Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills

Star chickweed is a low-growing native groundcover that forms small mats in shaded areas. It produces delicate white star-shaped flowers from March through May and thrives in partially shaded spots with consistent moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Star Chickweed 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 weedy
May be mistaken for common chickweed (a weed)
Unclear dormancy appearance creates maintenance uncertainty

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and beetles, providing early-season nectar when few other plants are blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Star Chickweed need?: Star Chickweed grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Star Chickweed bloom?: Star Chickweed blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Star Chickweed native?: Star Chickweed (Stellaria pubera) is native to AL, FL, GA, IL and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Star Chickweed attract?: Star Chickweed draws bees and beetles.
Is Star Chickweed HOA-friendly?: Star Chickweed 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

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz