Stellaria alsine

Grimm.

Bog Chickweed, Bog Stitchwort

Caryophyllaceae Edible: Leaves Potential hazards — see below 2,188 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Stellaria alsine, the bog stitchwort, is a species of herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the carnation family Caryophyllaceae. It grows in bogs and marshes in Europe and parts of North America.

Description

A herb. It grows each year from seed. The stems are tufted and 15-25 cm tall. The leaves do not have stalks. They are sword shaped and 1-2 cm long by 2-4 mm wide. The base is wedge shaped and partly clasps the stem.

Edible Uses

Young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

The whole plant is carminative, depurative, and galactogogue, and promotes hydrosis. A decoction is used as an antidote against snakebite and in the treatment of colds, traumatic injuries, and pimples. The fresh herb can be crushed and applied externally.

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.

Distribution

It is a subtropical plant. In China it grows near streams and wetlands between 500-4,000 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Asia, Bhutan, Britain, China, Europe, Falklands, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Japan, Kashmir, Korea, Luxembourg, Nepal, Pakistan, SE Asia, Vietnam,

Cultivation

Prefers a moist soil.

Propagation

Sow seed in situ in spring.

Other Uses

None known

Notes

There are about 120-130 Stellaria species. They are mostly in temperate regions.

Synonyms

Alsine uliginosa. Stellaria uliginosa

Also Known As

Que she cao

References (6)

Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 598
Hwang, HS, et al, 2014, Distribution characteristics of plant in the Ungseokbong Mountain, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. 7(2014) e164-e178
Lu Dequan, Wu Zhengyi, Zhou Lihua, Chen Shilong; Michael G. Gilbert, Magnus Lidén, John McNeill, John K. Morton, Bengt Oxelman, Richard K. Rabeler, Mats Thulin, Nicholas J. Turland, Warren L. Wagner, CARYOPHYLLACEAE, Flora of China.
Nova Acta Phys.-Med. Acad. Caes. Leop.-Carol. Nat. Cur. 3, app.:313. 1767
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

Show all 6 references