This list was compiled by Elizabeth Smith. Reviewed by gardener Hannah Miller. Published to Ideas on the 17th March 2023.
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If you’re thinking of growing star-shaped flowers in your garden, explore my list of suggestions below. My name is Elizabeth Smith and I’m a qualified horticulturist and these plants are personal favorites of mine.
Here is a list of star-shaped flowers that I have experience with and recommend for your garden:
The Magical Wonder of Leaves That Look Like Stars
Leaves come in all shapes and sizes, but few capture our imagination quite like those rare, special leaves that form the shape of a star When we spot these botanical wonders in nature, it stops us in our tracks and fills us with a sense of magic and delight. Let’s explore the natural marvel of leaves that look like stars!
Seeing StarsLeaves with a star shape are fairly uncommon, which makes them all the more special when we come across them Instead of the typical oval or teardrop silhouette, these leaves exhibit a geometric beauty – their lobe and edges extending out like points on a star
The most iconic example is the sweetgum tree, native to eastern North America. Sweetgum is treasured for its unmistakable five-pointed, palmate leaves that flutter in the breeze like green stars dancing on the branches. When autumn arrives, they turn a kaleidoscope of warm hues like yellow, orange, red and purple.
Other trees like maple and sycamore may occasionally produce leaves with star points as well. Lucky are those who stumble upon these marvels of nature! Even star-shaped houseplants exist, like the aptly named star begonia. With glossy green leaves extending out like a starburst, it brings tropical flair right into your home.
The Mystique of Five Points
Most commonly, star-shaped leaves exhibit five distinct points, just like the five points on a pentagram or star. Examples include the sweetgum, Solomon’s seal and some jasmine vines.
This formation ties into the mystical lore and symbolism around the number five, which represents balance, protection and human health in many cultures. Finding a leaf with five perfect points can feel like discovering a good omen or touchstone in nature.
Of course, botanical stars don’t always stick to five points. Varieties like the sweetgum may have leaves with six or seven points. Others, like maples, can have three, five or seven points. Each unique formation is magical in its own right.
Why the Star Shape?
So how do these marvelous star leaves come to be? There are a few key factors that cause the distinct lobed, pointed shape.
First are the leaf veins. In palmate leaves, the veins radiate outward from the base of the leaf’s stem like spokes on a wheel. This guides the direction the leaf edge grows in, resulting in pointed lobes.
The location of leaf buds along the branch also impacts shape. Alternating buds spread the leaves apart, while opposite buds lead to crowded leaves that must divide into points and lobes to share space.
Of course, genetics play a major role as well. Only certain species have evolved the ability to produce star-shaped leaves, guided by eons of natural selection.
Appreciating Nature’s Artistry
Finding leaves that echo the magic of the cosmos reminds us to appreciate nature’s endless artistry and imagination. Next time you’re outdoors, keep an eye out for these marvels.
Press some between the pages of a book to preserve their stellar beauty. Or take macros that zoom in on their mathematical perfection. Pay mind not just to their striking shape, but also their vivid colors, intricate veining and delicate textures.
Let the sight stir childlike whimsy and bring a smile to your face. Nature has painted tiny stars just for you to spot amidst the green, if only you remember to look up and notice them. A single leaf can hold wonders if you stop and observe its details.
So fill your heart with simple joy when you spot a sweetgum’s starry leaf fluttering in the wind. It’s one small way Mother Nature chooses to show you everyday magic is real, if you know where to look for it.
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Egyptian Star Cluster
The striking Egyptian Star Cluster (Pentas lanceolata) is a tropical perennial that has captivated me with its vibrant, star-shaped flowers. This lovely plant is an excellent choice for adding a burst of colour to any garden, and I’ve had good results in containers on my hot patio.
- Star Clusters can reach heights of 24-36″ (60-90 cm) and have a spread of 18-24″ (45-60 cm).
- I’ve found growing Star Clusters from seeds can be challenging, so I usually opt for purchasing young plants.
- I’ve grown them in large containers on my patio, where they’ve provided a stunning display of colour throughout the summer and attracted a variety of pollinators, such as butterflies and bees.
- Blooms from May into September but won’t survive frost.
- Often brought inside a conservatory for winter.
Rare Elusive Flower: Star clover that I found in the prairie #love #wildplants #nature
FAQ
What are the leaves that look like stars?
Sweetgum is a large tree with star shaped leaves. The fruits are round balls with spiny tips sticking out in all directions (sometimes referred to as “gumballs”).
What are the benefits of sweet gum leaves?
In addition to the sap, the leaves, bark, and seeds of sweetgum also possess beneficial compounds such as shikimic acid, a precursor to the production of oseltamivir phosphate, the active ingredient in Tamiflu®–an antiviral drug effective against several influenza viruses.
What is the name of star leaf?
| Star-leaf grevillea | |
|---|---|
| Order: | Proteales |
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Genus: | Grevillea |
| Species: | G. asteriscosa |
What tree has star leaves?
The American sweetgum — with its star-shaped leaves, neatly compact crown, interesting fruit, and twigs with unique corky growths called wings — is an attractive shade tree. It has become a prized specimen in parks, campuses, and large yards across the country.
What does a star-shaped leaf look like?
The star-shaped leaf has five or seven lobes or points and turns from green in summer to yellow or purple in autumn. This distinctive leaf is borne on corky-winged limbs, and the fruit is a conspicuous spiked ball that grows in clusters. Look for these star-shaped leaves as foliage grows in the spring, and note the dried seed balls under the tree.
What plants look like stars?
Featuring star-shaped foliage with creamy-white or pinkish edges and white blooms with purple markings, this wonderful plant is ideal for the porch and patio. 4. Japanese Aralia Botanical Name- Fatsia Japonica Perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces, this tropical plant has glossy lobed leaves that look similar to stars.
What kind of tree has a star shaped burgundy/maroon leaves?
Botanical Name- Acer palmatum ‘Beni Hoshi’ Beni Hoshi is another beautiful tree with star-shaped, palmate burgundy/maroon leaves. However, its foliage changes colors in every season. Make sure to avoid overwatering at all costs.
What color does the star-like leaf turn in autumn?
The star-like leaf turns from green in summer to yellow or purple in autumn. It has five or seven lobes or points and is borne on corky-winged limbs.
What is the shape of the lobes on the leaves of roundleaf sweetgum?
Roundleaf sweetgum, or Liquidambar styraciflua rotundiloba, has star-shaped leaves with three to five lobes that have rounded tips. Look for the star-shaped leaf as foliage grows in the spring, and note the dried seed balls under the tree.
What does a broadleaf tree look like?
Like the maple tree, several broadleaf trees have leaves whose ribs or veins radiate out from a single stalk or petiole attachment in a palmate pattern (that is, the lobes resemble a set of fingers). Some refer to these leaves as having a “star” form or a maple-like silhouette.