Kingdom Plantae Family Caryophyllaceae Scientific name Stellaria graminea Rank Species | Order Caryophyllales Genus Stellaria Higher classification Stitchwort | |
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Similar Stitchwort, Stellaria holostea, Stellaria nemorum, Caryophyllaceae, Meadow Starwort | ||
Stellaria graminea is a species of flowering plant in the Caryophyllaceae family (like pinks) known by the common names common starwort, grass-leaved stitchwort, lesser stitchwort and grass-like starwort.
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Description
It is a rhizomatous perennial herb producing branching stems which are prostrate, sprawling, trailing, or erect, and reach up to about 90 centimeters long. The stems are four-angled, weak, and hairless. It is lined with pairs of linear or lance-shaped leaves, each 1–4 centimetres (0.39–1.57 in) long. The leaves are smooth-edged and hairless except for some hairs lining the bases. The inflorescence bears several flowers, each on a short pedicel. The flower has five pointed green sepals each a few millimeters long which are usually lined with hairs. There are five white petals, each so deeply lobed it appears to be two. The seeds are reddish brown in colour and are 1 millimetre (0.039 in) in diameter.It bears 10 stamens.
Distribution
It is native to Eurasia but it is widespread around other parts of the temperate world as an introduced species and a common weed.
Habitat
It grows in many types of habitat, including lawns and roadsides.
