Starry Campion produces delicate, eye-catching flowers that are pollinated primarily by moths (illinoiswildflowers.info). It also serves as a host plant for six species of moths in our area (nwf.org). Although Starry Campion is considered threatened in Michigan, planting it in gardens and landscapes still plays a meaningful role, not by restoring historic populations, but by providing essential habitat for the insects and wildlife that depend on it (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). Deer tend to avoid Starry Campion, likely due to foliage that may be mildly toxic.
Photo credit: Nick Varvel
Starry Campion produces delicate, eye-catching flowers that are pollinated primarily by moths (illinoiswildflowers.info). It also serves as a host plant for six species of moths in our area (nwf.org). Although Starry Campion is considered threatened in Michigan, planting it in gardens and landscapes still plays a meaningful role, not by restoring historic populations, but by providing essential habitat for the insects and wildlife that depend on it (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). Deer tend to avoid Starry Campion, likely due to foliage that may be mildly toxic.
Photo credit: Nick Varvel
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full-Partial
Soil Moisture: Medium/wet – Dry
Height: 1-2.5 feet
Plant Spacing: 1-2 feet
Bloom Time: July-September
Bloom Color: White
Advantages: Bird Favorite, Deer Resistant
Host Plant: 6 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
Species of Concern: State Status: Threatened (legally protected), State Rank: Imperiled (mnfi.anr.msu.edu)
