Origin
Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana (Steud.) Fern. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. The plant is native to Alaska in the United States and is found in other parts of North America such as Canada and Greenland.
Common names
The common names for Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana (Steud.) Fern. are Arctic starflower, Alaskan starflower, and Sitchana starwort.
Uses
The Alaskan native people use Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana (Steud.) Fern. for medicinal purposes. They crush the entire plant and make a tea from it for the treatment of coughs, colds, and sore throats. The tea is also used to treat kidney problems, skin diseases, and digestive issues. Additionally, the plant is used as a wild food by the Inuit people of Alaska. They add it to their soups and stews for its flavor and nutritional value.
General appearance
Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana (Steud.) Fern. is a perennial herb that grows up to a maximum height of 15 cm. The plant has long, slender stems that are smooth and erect. The leaves are small, narrow, and pointed at the tip, and they grow in pairs along the stems. The flowers are small, white, and star-shaped, and they bloom in the summer. The fruits produced by the plant are small capsules that contain numerous small, dark seeds.
Light Requirements
The plant Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana (Steud.) Fern. typically requires full to partial sun exposure to thrive. It grows best when placed in a location that receives ample sunlight of about 6-8 hours per day. However, it can also tolerate some shade, especially during the hot summer months.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is best suited for a cold to cool climate with temperatures ranging between -20°C to 25°C (-4°F to 77°F). It can also thrive in high altitude locations with cooler climates. Extreme temperatures above or below its range can cause damage to the foliage and retard growth.
Soil Requirements
Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana (Steud.) Fern. prefers well-drained soils with some level of moisture retention. The soil should be rich in organic matter to support optimum growth. The ideal pH range for the plant is between 5.5 to 7.5, with a preference for slightly acidic soils. The plant can also tolerate some level of soil salinity but grows best in neutral soils that are neither too acidic nor alkaline.
Cultivation
Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana, also called Sitka starwort, is a hardy perennial plant that grows well in USDA zones 1-7. It prefers partial to full sun and moist, well-draining soil. The plant is known for its ability to grow in wet soil and can be found in swamps, bogs, and wet meadows of North America.
The ideal time to plant Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana is in the fall or early spring when the soil is moist. Start by preparing the planting area by removing any weeds or debris and loosening the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Plant the Sitka starwort seeds or transplant the seedlings 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Cover the roots with soil and water generously.
Watering Needs
Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana requires consistent moisture throughout its growing season. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot or yellowing of the leaves. Watering in the morning is best to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall and prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Sitka starwort does not require frequent fertilization, but it will benefit from an annual application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer and apply it to the soil around the base of the plants according to the instructions on the package.
Pruning
Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana does not require pruning, but it may benefit from occasional deadheading to promote the growth of new flowers. Cut back any dead or damaged foliage or flowers to keep the plant looking its best. In the fall, prune the plant to ground level to prepare it for the dormant period.
Propagation of Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana (Steud.) Fern.
Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana (Steud.) Fern. is a perennial herb that belongs to the Stellarioid group. This plant is commonly called Sitchana starwort or Arctic starwort. It is a native plant in North America and grows in lowland and alpine tundra habitats. The plant produces small white flowers with five petals. To propagate the plant, several methods can be used.
Propagation by Seed
The easiest way to propagate Sitchana starwort is by seed. The seeds can be collected from the plant during the fall season. It is important to collect mature seeds since they will be more viable. The seeds should be stored in a dry and cool place until spring. In early spring, the seeds can be sown indoors in a seed tray or directly outside in a prepared bed. The seedlings will emerge after 2-3 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted after the last frost to a permanent location.
Vegetative Propagation
Sitchana starwort can also be propagated vegetatively. The plant can be divided in the spring or fall when it is mature enough. The roots should be gently pulled apart, and the sections should have a healthy root structure. The divided plant sections can be planted directly in a prepared bed or grown indoors until they have established roots. The new plants should be watered regularly until they have established themselves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another method to propagate Sitchana starwort is by using stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants in the summer when the stems are more pliable. The cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches in length. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder. Then the cutting can be planted in a container with prepared soil and placed in a pot with a plastic bag covering it. Place the pot in a warm, bright location. The cutting should develop roots in 4-6 weeks.
Disease Management
Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana (Steud.) Fern. is primarily affected by fungal diseases. One of the most common fungal diseases that affect this plant is powdery mildew. The disease is characterized by the powdery appearance of the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, you can consider removing the affected parts of the plant and avoid overhead watering. You can also apply sulfur-based fungicides to treat the disease.
Another possible fungal disease that can affect Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana is root rot. Root rot is caused by wet and poorly drained soil, and it can lead to the rotting of the plant's roots. To manage this disease, consider improving the drainage of the soil, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides that target root rot pathogens.
Pest Management
Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana can also be affected by pests. One of the most common pests that you can find on this plant is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and browning on leaves and suck the plant's sap, leading to stunted growth. To manage spider mites, consider using insecticidal soap and applying predatory mites to eat the pest.
Another possible pest that can affect this plant is aphids. Aphids are sap-sucking pests that can cause curling and yellowing of leaves and stunt plant growth. To manage aphids, consider introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or applying insecticidal soap that targets the pest.
In conclusion, to manage diseases and pests that affect Stellaria borealis Bigelow var. sitchana, consider proper sanitation, cultural practices such as pruning and avoiding overwatering. If necessary, you can also consider applying fungicides or insecticides to manage the disease and pests. Regular monitoring of the plant can also help detect any potential problems early and manage them effectively.
