Bog Stitchwort, Bog chickweed

Stellaria alsine

Physical Characteristics

Stellaria alsine is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, to temperate Asia and N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Young leaves and shoots - raw or cooked[105, 177].

Medicinal Uses

Antidote Carminative Depurative Galactogogue Miscellany The whole plant is carminative, depurative and galactogogue[147, 218, 240]. It promotes hydrosis[147]. A decoction is used as an antidote against snakebite, in the treatment of colds, traumatic injuries and pimples[147, 218, 240]. The fresh herb can be crushed for external application[147].

Known Hazards

Although no mention has been seen for this species, the leaves of some members of this genus contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].