Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea

The flowers have long, narrow white petals alternating with long green sepals. The leaves are un-stalked and narrow. The flowers are much smaller than greater stitchwort and the stalks are smooth. The flower looks like it has ten petals but actually it has only five, which are lobed almost until the base.

It grows on neutral and acid soils in open woodland, meadows, grassy heathland, hedge banks and by footpaths and tracks.

Flowers May to September.

Wildflower meadows are one of the country’s fastest disappearing habitats; about 95% of wildflower meadows have been lost due to agricultural intensification. Wildflower meadows should be maintained by mowing when the seeds have set - remove the cut material to help lower soil fertility so that the wildflowers can thrive without competition from coarse grasses. Summer flowering plants should be mown in spring and then left to flower for the rest of Autumn. By volunteering with your local Wildlife Trust you may be able to get directly involved in managing your local wildflower meadows.