Starwort
Spergula arvensis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Starwort (Spergula arvensis) 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"–16" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Starwort
Starwort is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
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 areaStarwort is a low-growing annual herb that forms small mounds of narrow, light green leaves. It produces tiny white, star-shaped flowers throughout the summer months and thrives in partially shaded areas with moderate moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
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.
- Commonly considered a weedy species
- May spread unpredictably as an annual
- Very informal appearance doesn't match typical landscaping expectations
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract bees and beetles during its summer blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar sources for small pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Starwort need?
- Starwort grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Starwort bloom?
- Starwort blooms in June, July, and August.
- What pollinators does Starwort attract?
- Starwort draws bees and beetles.
- Is Starwort HOA-friendly?
- Starwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Starwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz