Few-flowered shooting stars (Dodecatheon pulchellum sp.) are a flowering perennial in the Primulaceae family which we usually spot in the grasslands or in open forests, mostly in damp locations.

• Shooting stars have white, fibrous roots.
• The lanceolate leaves form a basal rosette.
• Stems are leafless.
• Nodding purple flowers emerge at the ends of the stalks in May and June.
• The distinctive shape (corolla lobes backwards and stamens fused in an orange tube) makes the flowers easy to identify.
• All photos by the author.   Click an image for a lightbox view.

shooting star

Six Mile Lake - April

shooting stars

• After flowering, capsules form.
• It is a spring ephemeral.    It seems to disappear after flowering and seeding.
• Shooting stars are pollinated by bees.
• Several varietals of shooting stars can be found in home gardens.
• INaturalist – Dodacatheon
• Eflora BC – Few-flowered shooting star.