Rabelera holostea
greater stitchwort
Overview
Rabelera holostea, long known as Stellaria holostea, is a perennial of the pink family native to Europe and western Asia, growing 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) tall on weak, square stems that scramble through surrounding vegetation. The narrow, grass-like leaves are 1.5-3 inches (4-7.5 cm) long, stiff, and rough along the edges, tapering to a slender point. From mid spring into early summer it bears white star-shaped flowers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, each with five petals split halfway to the base so they appear as ten. The flowers are carried in loose, branching clusters above the foliage. R. holostea grows in hedgerows, woodland edges, and grassy banks on moist, mildly acidic to neutral soils, often forming loose drifts. The brittle stems break easily, which once gave rise to a folk belief linking the plant to side-stitches. After flowering the plant dies back, and it spreads slowly by creeping rhizomes as well as by seed. It tolerates light shade but flowers most freely with some direct sun.
Native Range
Rabelera holostea is native to Europe and western Asia, from the British Isles and Scandinavia south to Spain and east into the Caucasus. It grows in deciduous woodland, hedge banks, and shaded grassy verges, usually on moist, fertile soils.Suggested Uses
Rabelera holostea is grown in woodland gardens, wildflower plantings, and informal hedge bases where its scrambling stems can weave through other plants. Its spring flowers suit naturalized, low-input settings. It draws early bees and hoverflies.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from mid spring into early summer, roughly April to June. The white star-shaped flowers open in loose clusters and close in dull weather. Bloom tapers off as summer heat arrives, and the plant then dies back.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight