American chickweed

Stellaria dichotoma

Physical Characteristics

Stellaria dichotoma is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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

E. Asia - China, Siberia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anticholesterolemic Depurative Febrifuge Malaria The root is anticholesterolemic, depurative and febrifuge[176, 218]. It is used in the treatment of fever and malaria, night sweats, infantile malnutrition[176, 218].

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].