Stellaria alsine
Stellaria alsine
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Pl. E951 — Stellaria alsine
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IOverview
Overview
Stellaria alsine, commonly known as Stellaria alsine, is a perennial plant native to regions including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, and the Baltic States. It thrives in various environments such as full sun to partial shade, requiring moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This adaptable plant grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves and shoots, making it a valuable addition to culinary dishes. Additionally, Stellaria alsine has documented medicinal uses, contributing to its significance in traditional medicine. Its presence across diverse habitats from Europe to Asia highlights its hardiness and adaptability.
Quick answers
What is Stellaria alsine?
Stellaria alsine, commonly known as Stellaria alsine, is a perennial plant native to regions including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, and the Baltic States. It thrives in various environments such as full sun to partial shade, requiring moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
What is Stellaria alsine used for?
Traditionally used for topical & skin, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Stellaria alsine
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Stellaria alsine has been traditionally used in topical applications to support skin health, particularly for minor irritations and wounds. It is often prepared as a poultice or infused oil.
The mechanism by which Stellaria alsine supports skin health is not fully characterized, but it may involve anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe the skin.
- Stellaria alsine has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support digestive health, often prepared as a decoction. It is believed to help alleviate minor digestive discomforts.
The mechanism by which Stellaria alsine supports digestion is not fully characterized, but it may involve compounds that interact with the gastrointestinal tract's smooth muscle and improve motility.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestiontincture
Historically used for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Stellaria alsine thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial grows up to 0.3 meters tall and can be propagated through its leaves and shoots. It is hardy in temperate regions and has a wide native range across Europe, Asia, and North America. Ensure the plant receives adequate moisture while avoiding waterlogged conditions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Stellaria alsine for the first time
7steps
Start with Stellaria alsine by planting it in a sunny spot and providing moist, well-draining soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Stellaria alsine seeds or young plants, a garden fork, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare soil by mixing in compost; ensure it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy with good drainage. For containers, use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and compost.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart; for transplants, space them about 30 cm apart in rows 45 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Thin seedlings to ensure they have enough space as they grow.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially when leaves wilt; mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer once in spring and again in summer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune or harvest young shoots and leaves for use in salads or as a garnish throughout the growing season.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of Stellaria alsine are edible. Typically, they are prepared fresh in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. Skip the detailed preparation methods since specific cooking techniques were not provided.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe2 regions
native (2)FrancePortugal
Asia6 regions
native (6)ChinaGeorgiaIndiaJapanNepalSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Delaware, District of Columbia, East Himalaya, Føroyar, Jawa, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Louisiana, Maine, Malaya, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nansei-shoto, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Altay
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
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