(Starflower has recently been taxonomically reclassified, hence, the E-flora BC entry for this species shows a different name and family than indicated on this site. The Wikipedia entry for starflower reflects the current taxonomic position of this species, as a member of the genus Lysimachia and the family Primulaceae.)
Starflower is a common low-growing understory plant in forests in and around Nanaimo. The plant grows most luxuriantly in sites with some moisture, but it also shows up in drier sites.
A patch of starflower plants growing on the forest floor. You only need to catch a glance of the whorl of elliptical leaves held up on a thin stem to recognize that this is starflower. The plant is about 10-25 cm tall. Photo credit: Lynda StevensNote the defined central vein and the general leaf-shape of starflower – more or less symmetrically elliptic, narrowing to a point at both tip and base. The leaves are attached in a spiral pattern around the top of the stem. Photo credit: Lynda StevensStarflower flowers in spring around Nanaimo and it’s clear to see how the plant got its common name – delicate star-shaped flowers seem to float in the air as they’re held on thin flower-stalks above the foliage. Photo credit: Lynda StevensMost starflower plants have white flowers, but some specimens have light-pink to even fully pink flowers. Photo credit: Lynda Stevens The globose fruit of starflower suspended above the foliage. If you’re looking for starflower in the fall, you may see some fruit capsules present on the plant. Photo credit: Corey Raimond via Flickr
