Dodecatheon meadia / Midland Shooting Star (Primrose Family)

Basal rosettes emerge in early spring followed soon after by a maroon flowering stalk with 8-20 white flowers. Each flower has strongly reflexed petals surrounding the reproductive parts, giving the appearance of a shooting star. Shooting Star will be happier in more shade, but will tolerate 5-6 hours of sun as long as it has consistent spring moisture. The entire plant will go dormant by mid-summer. It will spread slowly by forming more basal rosettes as long as it does not get out-competed by more dominant plants.

Blooms: White, 2-4 weeks, March-April
Leaves: Pale green, 4-10”, broadly lanceolate, smooth, simple 
Height: 12-18”
Space: 1-2’
Soil: Average-wet, rich soil
Exposure: Part sun to light shade
Fauna: Produces only pollen, bumblebees visit often
Seeds: ⅓” brown capsule with tiny brown seeds
Deer Resistance: High
Zone: 4-8
Native Status: NC native, uncommon in the Piedmont and Mountains
Provenance: Unknown, asexually and seed grown