Dodecatheon jeffreyanum, commonly known as Sierra Shootingstar, Jeffrey’s Shooting Star, or Tall Mountain Shooting Star, is a perennial herb that is native to moist meadows, streambanks, and forest openings across Western North America, particularly in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and is recognized for its distinctive reflexed petals and bright yellow stamens, which give the appearance of a shooting star. The flowers, which are showy, range in color from pink to purple and bloom in the spring, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The Sierra Shootingstar is valued for its unique floral display and is often used in wildflower gardens, woodland plantings, and native plant landscapes. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring medium water and thriving in part shade conditions, which mimic its natural forest understory habitat. While it prefers medium draining clay or loam soils, it is adaptable to various soil types provided they are kept moist. Gardeners should be aware that Dodecatheon jeffreyanum can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. It is also a favorite among deer, so protection may be necessary in areas with high deer populations.CC BY-SA 4.0