How much sun does Tuber Starwort need?

Tuber Starwort grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Tuber Starwort bloom?

Tuber Starwort blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Tuber Starwort native?

Tuber Starwort (Pseudostellaria jamesiana) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Tuber Starwort attract?

Tuber Starwort draws bees and beetles.

Is Tuber Starwort HOA-friendly?

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

Tuber Starwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pseudostellaria jamesiana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Tuber Starwort (Pseudostellaria jamesiana) 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 × 3"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID 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

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains

Tuber starwort is a low-growing native wildflower that forms small clumps in partially shaded areas. It produces delicate white star-shaped flowers from April through June, then may go dormant in summer heat. This woodland perennial spreads slowly and works well as a groundcover in naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Tuber 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.

Extremely small size makes it appear sparse in formal settings
Wildflower appearance may be deemed too informal
May disappear or look patchy in maintained landscapes

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract native bees and beetles during an important early season blooming period. Its low growth habit provides shelter for beneficial ground-dwelling insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Tuber Starwort need?: Tuber Starwort grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Tuber Starwort bloom?: Tuber Starwort blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Tuber Starwort native?: Tuber Starwort (Pseudostellaria jamesiana) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Tuber Starwort attract?: Tuber Starwort draws bees and beetles.
Is Tuber Starwort HOA-friendly?: Tuber 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.

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

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