Star Chickweed – Stellaria Pubera

In the spring the woods are full of so many wonderful wildflowers. One of the ones I love seeing is Star Chickweed (stellaria pubera) – a delicate white flower that blooms early in the spring.

Crested Dwarf Iris and Star Chickweed © 2009 Patty Hankins

Like the Fire Pinks, Star Chickweed (stellaria pubera) is another spring-blooming member of the Caryophyllaceae (or pink) family. Although each blossom appears to have ten petals – if you look closely – you will see that there are five petals – each with a deep cleft that makes it appear there are ten petals. The five deeply clefted petals are one of the signature features of members of the pink family.

Native to much of the Eastern United States, star chickweed grows to between 6 and 12 inches tall. The flowers are smaller than a dime – often looking like a patch of little stars in the woods.

Stellaria pubera – the botanical name for Star Chickweed – refers to the star-like shape of the flowers (Stellaria) and the lines of hair along the stems (pubera).