diff --git a/README b/README
index 31ce923..a3e27ce 100644
--- a/README
+++ b/README
@@ -3,6 +3,9 @@ and # to search for it elsewhere in the file.  For example, hit V, select
 a strange sequence of characters like "$! $!", and hit star.  You'll find
 all other runs of "$! $!" in the file.
 
+If you hit <leader>* ("\*" unless you changed the mapleader), vim will
+recursively vimgrep for the word under the cursor or the visual selection.
+
 Vim's default behavior is to just extend the visual selection to the next
 word that matches the word under the cursor.  Doesn't seem very useful.
 
diff --git a/plugin/visual-star-search.vim b/plugin/visual-star-search.vim
index d8efcca..34897da 100644
--- a/plugin/visual-star-search.vim
+++ b/plugin/visual-star-search.vim
@@ -11,3 +11,6 @@ endfunction
 vmap * :<C-u>call <SID>VSetSearch()<CR>//<CR>
 vmap # :<C-u>call <SID>VSetSearch()<CR>??<CR>
 
+" recursively vimgrep if you hit leader-star
+nmap <leader>* :execute "noautocmd grep -rw " . expand("<cword>") . " ."<CR>
+vmap <leader>* :<C-u>call <SID>VSetSearch()<CR>:execute "noautocmd vimgrep /" . @/ . "/ **"<CR>