The white flowers of Greater Stitchwort - Stellaria holostea

The Greater Stitchwort is quite happy growing in shady conditions. Because the stems snap easily, it was once considered that this signified that they were therefore helpful in healing broken bones. The second part of the botanical name is made up of two Greek words holos and osteon, which mean 'whole' and 'bone' respectively.

The common name comes from the fact that the plant was once used to ease 'stitches' and similar pains in the side. Stitchwort mixed with acorns in wine was the standard way of taking the remedy!! It was also called Poor man's Buttonhole, and other similar names, as it was sometimes used as a buttonhole flower for weddings.