Starflower (Lysimachia borealis) | Prairie Restorations

Starflower

Lysimachia borealis

Starflower is a charming, delicate woodland perennial that grows 4 to 12 inches tall, featuring whorled leaves and small, star-shaped white flowers in late spring to early summer. It is commonly found in rich, moist forest floors with acidic, well-drained soils. Starflower tends to grow in colonies and is an excellent addition to shaded native plant gardens and woodland restoration projects, providing early-season blooms for pollinators.

Characteristics

Product Form	Plant
Type	Forb
Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Soil	Loam, Sand/Gravel, Peat, Calcareous
Moisture	Wet, Aquatic
Average Max Height (inches)	12
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	12
Bloom month(s)	May, June
Bloom Color or Type	White
Dominance	Low

Range Maps

Sowing Information

Sow seed onto a firm, weed-free seedbed. Hand-broadcast seed making two perpendicular passes for even coverage. If planting a mix, broadcast the grass component first and lightly rake/drag it into the top 1/8–1/4" of soil. Next, broadcast wildflower/forb seed and press it into the soil surface (with a roller/cultipacker or the back of a rake) to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. After seeding, apply a very light layer of clean, seed-free straw (or other weed-free, site-appropriate mulch) to reduce erosion and retain moisture without smothering seedlings. A good rainfall or thorough watering will help settle seed and mulch and improve germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.