Illinois' Best
Dodecatheon meadia

One of the earliest plants to flower in the prairie

This early spring perennial has a stellar display of dainty flowers and a unique flower shape that gives the plant its common name of shooting star. This native plant grows up to 1' tall and has a leafless flower stem. Pale- to deep-pink reflexed flowers bloom in spring. The 'Alba' cultivar has white blossoms. Use shooting star at the edge of woodland gardens. 
Dodecatheon meadia
Common shooting star
Family: Primrose (Primulaceae)
Type: Perennial

Mature Size:
7-12 inches
Shape:
upright
  Flower Colors:
white
pink
  Bloom Season:
May-June
Exposure:
full sun to partial shade
  Soil Moisture:
moderate
  Zones:
4-8
native to the Midwest
  Landscape Use:
bedding or border
understory
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