Trientalis borealis
Starflower · Northern Starflower · Arctic Starflower · Chickweed-wintergreen
Description
Source: leafsnapLysimachia borealis (synonym Trientalis borealis), the starflower, is a North American woodland perennial that blooms between May and June.
🌳 Starflower has an unexpected ecological function beyond its decorative appearance. Its tendency to prosper in particular soil conditions makes it a potential bioindicator of certain metals in the soil, assisting scientists with ecological assessments without using conventional invasive testing methods. This application is significant for phytoremediation research, which examines how plants can clean up contaminated environments.
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun
Starflower prefers a mix of sun and shade for healthy growth, though it can do fairly well in more shaded spots. Light encourages the plant to thrive, but it is not necessary during every stage of development. Avoid leaving the plant in excessively bright conditions, and too little light can cause weaker growth and development.
🌡️ Temperature 0–35°C
Starflower's native habitat is cool and moist, with temperatures ranging from 32 to 77℉ (0 to 25℃). While actively growing, the plant prefers 50 to 80℉ (10 to 27℃). In summer it can tolerate temperatures up to 95℉ (35℃). In winter, make sure temperatures do not fall below 32℉ (0℃).
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 5-7
🌱 Fertilizer
Generally, a single fertilizer application in spring is enough for Starflower, but repeated feedings can maximize growth. Feed every 4 to 6 weeks. Fertilization improves the appearance and function of the leaves, helping maintain even color and a healthy texture. It also promotes root development and nutrient uptake for the plant’s long-term health.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Trientalis
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-9
- Mature Height
- 10 cm to 20 cm
- Mature Spread
- 15 cm to 46 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 1.27 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer