Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia)
[doe-dee-KATH-ee-on MEE-dee-ah]

Deciduous Perennial in the Primulaceae Family
 

 
Available September 25
Size Notes Price Availability
QUART Field $12.38 Available for Pre-Order
2/6 - 2/16
Estimated Arrival Sep 25
 
Note: Spring ephemerals have evolved take advantage of sunlight which penetrates deciduous forests before the trees fully leaf out and then shut down for the year by the end of spring to rest until the next year. When buying them in summer you typically won't see anything above the ground until the next April!
 

Dodecatheon meadia, commonly known as shooting star or American cowslip, is a captivating perennial native to the eastern and central regions of North America. This charming wildflower is prized for its striking, reflexed blooms that appear in early to mid-spring.

Growing from a basal rosette of dark green, oblong leaves, Dodecatheon meadia sends up slender, leafless flower scapes that can reach 12-18 inches in height. Atop these stems, the plant produces clusters of distinctive, cyclamen-like flowers. Each bloom features a pointed, reflexed corolla that resembles a shooting star, with five petals in shades of white, pink, or lavender surrounding a yellow central cone. These nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

After flowering, the plant goes dormant, with the basal foliage dying back. In the fall, new rosettes of leaves emerge, providing winter interest before the stunning springtime blooms reappear.

Dodecatheon meadia thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soils and prefers partial shade to full sun, depending on the climate. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it a resilient choice for naturalized areas, woodland gardens, and rain gardens. The plant's compact habit and delicate, whimsical flowers also lend themselves well to rock gardens and border plantings.

As a native species, Dodecatheon meadia supports a variety of pollinators and contributes to the biodiversity of sustainable, eco-friendly landscapes. Its early spring blooms and unique floral form make it a captivating addition to any garden.

 

Plant Data

Mature Size 12 - 18 inches tall. 6 - 8 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Dry - Medium
Zones 2a - 9b (Usually hardy to -50° F)
Tags Attracts Butterflies, Deciduous, Dry, Full Sun, Illinois Native, Medium, Native to North America, Non-Allergenic, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Spring Ephemeral
Bloom Period April - June
Flower Color White, Pink, Lavender
Foliage Color
 

More Info from Experts

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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!