Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 730242
Hardy perennial, also known as Wedding Cakes, Star of Bethlehem, Poor Man�s Buttonholes, Adder�s Spit, Pixy Flower and Daddy�s Shirt Buttons. Large, white starry flowers on delicate stems and thin leaves in spring. The name Stitchwort derives from the use of its leaves in infusions to treat pains (stitch) in the side. Plant is known as Pixies in Somerset � anyone picking it would be pixie-led; pixies hide in the plants during the day so anyone picking them would be led astray.
In the south-west of England, children would refuse to pick the flowers because it was believed vipers lurked beneath them. Picking the plant would result in a bite or even a lightning strike. Stitchwort was also believed to be a plant of the Devil and so was called Devil�s Nightcap and Devil�s Shirt Buttons. However, the spread of Christianity led to the plant being associated with the Virgin Mary � as were many white plants.
Found in the wild in woods and hedgebanks. Butterfly, bee, moth, hoverfly and beetle plant. Leaves provide food for the caterpillars of the Dart and Yellow Underwing moths, and the Marsh Pug and Plain Clary moths.
Plant in sun or semi-shade in well-drained, fertile soil. As it is quite spindly it would benefit from proximity to other plants to help hold it up, or plant amongst a hedgerow.
Lesser Stitchwort (stellaria graminea)
Perennial wildflower. Straggling stems with pretty, white, starry flowers from May to August. Found on road verges, grassland and wood margins. Member of the Pink family. Flowers are half the size of those of Greater Stitchwort.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*