James H. Schutte
Family
Primulaceae
Botanical Name
Dodecatheon meadia
Plant Common Name
Pride-of-Ohio, Shooting Star
General Description
Native across most of eastern North America, shooting star is a truly distinctive early season wildflower. It's nodding, starry flowers may be pink or white and rise from long, leafless scapes above a neat rosette of foliage. Naturally found in both open forests and prairies, it grows best in well-drained, fertile soil.
Radial rosettes of green, oblong leaves are presented with long, slender flower stems in spring to early summer. Umbellate clusters of unusual flowers crown the tall stems. Each shooting star bloom has pointed, downward-facing, yellow stamens and five pink or white petals that point backwards. A yellow ring circles the base of the petals. Bees and other insects pollinate the blooms, and the resulting fruits are green capsules that turn dry and brown when mature. Shooting star goes dormant by summer, so it's important to interplant with other garden ornamentals that will add interest through summer and fall.
Shooting star grows best in sites with partial sun to partial shade, though it will tolerate full sun if well-irrigated. It is remarkably tolerant of calcareous or alkaline soils, sandy or rocky loams are best. Happy plants will spread and self-sow, but seedlings mature very slowly. Grow sweeps of this pretty native in a wooded rockery or shady garden edge alongside low-growing ferns and trilliums.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
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Width
4"-10" / 10.2cm - 25.4cm
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
North America, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Texas, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
