northern starflower
ExplorePlants
northern starflower
Lysimachia borealis
The northern starflower is a pretty little flower that blooms in the spring. Its star-shaped white flowers look like tiny stars shining in the forest!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The northern starflower is a small plant with slender stems reaching up to 20 cm tall. It has delicate white, star-shaped flowers with five petals, often blooming singly from its upper leaf axils. Its bright green leaves are typically oval and arranged in whorls.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyPrimulaceaeGenusLysimachia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even though it's small, a patch of northern starflowers can carpet the forest floor!
Its scientific genus, Lysimachia, might be named after an ancient Greek king!
This tiny plant is sometimes called 'Maystar' because it often blooms in late spring.
You can often find them growing alongside mosses and ferns, sharing cool, damp ground.
Special abilities
Ability
Underground Network
Northern starflower can spread using creeping underground stems, called rhizomes, which helps it form colonies and find new damp spots to grow.
Ability
Shade Seeker
Northern starflower has a special ability to thrive in deep shade, allowing it to grow in dark forest floors where other plants struggle.
Ability
Tiny Star Beacon
Northern starflower's small, bright white flowers are like tiny beacons that stand out in dimly lit undergrowth, attracting small insect pollinators.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-20 cm
- Spread
- 5-15 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.6-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to mid-summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Gathers nectar and pollen from its flowers
pollinates
Viereck's Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum vierecki
Small native bee pollinates starflower
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't pick flowers. They are homes for many tiny creatures!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is northern starflower?
5-20 cm
How wide does northern starflower spread?
5-15 cm
How big are the flowers on northern starflower?
0.6-1 cm
When does northern starflower bloom?
Late spring to mid-summer
Is northern starflower edible?
No
Is northern starflower toxic?
None
What is northern starflower's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is northern starflower pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park49 sightings9 species
Pennsylvania, US
Raymond B. Winter State Park
You might spot Hemlock Varnish Shelf, Mountain Laurel, and Cinnamon Fern.
View guide →
Park7 sightings4 species
Michigan, US
Fuller County Park
You might spot Alder Buckthorn, Bulblet Fern, and Western Poison Ivy.
View guide →
Park0 sightings0 species
Pennsylvania, US
McCalls Dam State Park
You might spot Meadow-Rues, Cinnamon Fern, and Pink Lady's Slipper.
View guide →
