Stellaria Palustris is commonly known as Bog Stitchwort or Marsh Chickweed. It is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. This plant is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It can grow up to a height of 60 cm and blooms from May to August.
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Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Stellaria |
Appearance
The leaves of Stellaria Palustris are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring up to 5 cm long. The flowers are small, measuring 1 cm in diameter, with five white petals that are deeply cleft. The plant can form a dense mat of foliage, with stems that are thin and wiry.
Care Guide
Stellaria Palustris prefers moist soil and partial shade. It is best grown in a bog or water garden. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it must be kept moist at all times. The ideal water level is around 2-3 inches above the soil line. Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer. The plant can tolerate full sun but prefers partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Stellaria Palustris is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions. Aphids and spider mites may also infest the plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Stellaria Palustris is commonly found in wet areas such as bogs, marshes, and along riverbanks. It prefers to grow in areas with high levels of organic matter and acidic soil. It is a common component of wetland restoration projects and is often used in rain gardens and bio-filtration systems to filter pollutants from stormwater runoff.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Stellaria Palustris invasive?
A: No, Stellaria Palustris is not considered invasive.
Q: Can Stellaria Palustris be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Stellaria Palustris can be grown in a container as long as it is kept moist and receives partial shade.
Q: Can Stellaria Palustris be propagated by seeds?
A: Yes, Stellaria Palustris can be propagated by seeds or division.
Q: Is Stellaria Palustris a good plant for wildlife?
A: Yes, Stellaria Palustris is a good plant for wildlife as it provides habitat and food for insects and birds.
Related Plants
- Stellaria Media (Common Chickweed)
- Stellaria Longipes (Longstalk Starwort)
- Stellaria Longifolia (Longleaf Starwort)
- Stellaria Holostea (Greater Stitchwort)
References
- USDA Plants Database: https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=STPA
- Missouri Botanical Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280857&isprofile=0&
- North Carolina State University: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/stellaria-palustris/
