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Tuber Starwort

Pseudostellaria jamesiana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Tuber Starwort (Pseudostellaria jamesiana)
Photo: Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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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.

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