Lysimachia borealis

Common Names

Starflower, Northern Starflower, Trientale Boréale

Summary

Starflower is a North American woodland perennial with creeping rhizomes that form colonies. It rises on slender erect stems 5–20 cm tall, with a whorl of 5–9 lanceolate leaves at the stem apex. The flowers are white and star-shaped, about 12–15 mm across, with five to nine petals forming a star, usually blooming in May–June.

In cultivation it prefers moist, shaded forests with acidic soils and can tolerate dry shade under conifers; it suits woodland/shade gardens and habitat restoration projects. It spreads by creeping rhizomes to form colonies, and propagation can occur by fresh seed (germination 3–12 months at 13–16°C) or by division after flowering.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-8 inches

Spread

4-10 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade to shade.

Soil Type

Acidic, moist soil rich in organic matter.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, consistently moist soil.

Soil pH

6.5-6.8, acidic soils

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring through Fall

Foliage Color

Green, white

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

5 cm to >1 m per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Tubers, Creeping rhizomes

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and syrphid flies