Glabrous Woodland Star Plant Care

Lithophragma glabrum Nutt.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Lithophragma glabrum is a slender perennial western North American mountain plant in the Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae), known by the common names bulbous woodland star, bulbiferous prairie-star, smooth woodland star, and smooth rockstar.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Glabrous Woodland Star?

Plant Glabrous Woodland Star in partial shade to full shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

What Is the Glabrous Woodland Star?

Glabrous Woodland Star (Lithophragma glabrum) belongs to the Saxifragaceae family within the Lithophragma genus. Glabrous Woodland Star is also known as Smooth Woodland Star.

Glabrous Woodland Star displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Glabrous Woodland Star produces delicate, star-shaped white or pink flowers on tall stems.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Glabrous Woodland Star?

Water a young or newly planted Glabrous Woodland Star every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Glabrous Woodland Star Need?

Glabrous Woodland Star thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Glabrous Woodland Star in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full shade

100–500 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Glabrous Woodland Star Prefer?

Lithophragma glabrum tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Glabrous Woodland Star prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Glabrous Woodland Star?

Well-draining, sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Glabrous Woodland Star to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Glabrous Woodland Star?

Feed Glabrous Woodland Star every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 8 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Glabrous Woodland Star?

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining, sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Glabrous Woodland Star is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Glabrous Woodland Star?

Glabrous Woodland Star can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Glabrous Woodland Star?

Prune Glabrous Woodland Star while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Glabrous Woodland Star in Winter?

Glabrous Woodland Star is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Glabrous Woodland Star?

Glabrous Woodland Star can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to california woodland star plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Glabrous Woodland Star Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Glabrous Woodland Star, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Glabrous Woodland Star?

Glabrous Woodland Star is susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Glabrous Woodland Star Need?

Glabrous Woodland Star grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Glabrous Woodland Star as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Glabrous Woodland Star is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Lithophragma genus — compare its care with other Lithophragma species on PlantoScan.

Lithophragma is part of the Saxifragaceae plant family — browse all Saxifragaceae genera and species.

Glabrous Woodland Star copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.

More Lithophragma Species

Other Lithophragma species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Lithophragma glabrum Nutt., family Saxifragaceae (first published in Fl. N. Amer. 1: 584 (1840)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Glabrous Woodland Star, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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