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.
- 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.