Pseudostellaria heterophylla Seeds | False-starwort
LATIN NAME: Pseudostellaria heterophylla
COMMON NAME: False-Starwort
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, False-Starwort (Pseudostellaria heterophylla) stands out as a low, slender, perennial in the pink family. False-starwort unfolds small, white, starry flowers above narrow leaves, and the whole plant carries the fine, quiet look of the cool meadow. It is a plant of half-shaded, deep, rich, moist, well-drained ground. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Pseudostellaria heterophylla ranges from the botany of the pink family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value False-Starwort for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. False-starwort is a quiet, useful herb of cool meadow and study collection. It is a quiet, useful herb of half-shaded, deep, rich, moist, well-drained garden. False-starwort seeds are happy in a fine, sandy mix in a bright, cool spot. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Pseudostellaria root, Tai Zi Shen, is the gentle ginseng of children and the convalescent in Chinese medicine, a mild qi tonic for delicate constitutions, often simmered into sweet tonic soups.
Growing from Seed
False-Starwort grows readily from seed. A simple routine works well: sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, maintain even moisture, and provide bright light. When the young plants are big enough to handle, space them into pots or a nursery row and let them size up before their final move.
Our Take
Given the right start, False-Starwort is a long-term garden companion. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow False-Starwort often pair it with these related subjects: