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Description
Stellaria Longifolia, commonly known as long-leaved starwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to North America, where it grows in moist meadows, along streams, and in open woods. The plant has a creeping habit and can grow up to 30 cm tall. Its leaves are lance-shaped, long, and narrow with a pointed tip. The flowers are small and white in color, with five petals that are divided deeply into two lobes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Stellaria |
Appearance
Stellaria Longifolia has long, narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The leaves are about 5 cm long and 1 cm wide, with a pointed tip. The stem of the plant is thin, wiry, and slightly hairy. The flowers are small and white, with five deeply divided petals that are about 1 cm in diameter. The plant blooms from May to July. The fruit is a small, round capsule that contains many small seeds.
Care Guide
Stellaria Longifolia is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so water it regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring if desired.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does not like heavy clay soil.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate full shade, but it may not flower as well.
- Hardiness Zones: Stellaria Longifolia is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Stellaria Longifolia is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can sometimes be affected by powdery mildew, which appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant. If the plant does get powdery mildew, you can treat it with a fungicide.
Habitat
Stellaria Longifolia is native to North America, where it grows in moist meadows, along streams, and in open woods. It prefers moist soil and partial shade to full sun. The plant is found in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Stellaria Longifolia toxic to humans or pets?
A: No, Stellaria Longifolia is not toxic to humans or pets.
Q: Can Stellaria Longifolia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Stellaria Longifolia can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept moist.
Q: How often should Stellaria Longifolia be fertilized?
A: Stellaria Longifolia does not require fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring if desired.
Q: How do I propagate Stellaria Longifolia?
A: Stellaria Longifolia can be propagated by division or by taking stem cuttings in the spring.
Related Plants
- Stellaria Media (Common Chickweed)
- Stellaria Nemorum (Lesser Stitchwort)
- Stellaria Pubera (Star Chickweed)
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=STLO2
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/starwort/growing-starwort-plants.htm
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/stellaria_longifolia.shtml
