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(Dodecatheon jeffreyi)
Sierra Shootingstar (Dodecatheon jeffreyi)
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John Brew
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
John Brew
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: John Brew | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: John Brew | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-22T16:32Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dodecatheon jeffreyi, commonly known as Sierra shootingstar, Jeffrey’s shooting star, and tall mountain shooting star, is a perennial herb native to moist meadows, streambanks, and wet mountain forests in the Western United States, Canada and Alaska. It forms a basal rosette of long, slightly wrinkled leaves and sends up slim, tall, hairy stems that can be dark in color, reaching heights of up to 2 feet. The plant is known for its striking springtime display of 3 to 18 nodding flowers per stem, which become more erect as they age. The flowers have four or five reflexed sepals in shades of pink, lavender, or white, creating a distinctive and showy appearance. The pointed centers, or anthers, are aimed at the ground when fresh, adding to the unique look of the blooms.
The Sierra shootingstar is valued for its ornamental flowers and is often used in native plant gardens, woodland gardens, and moist areas such as by streams or ponds. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in full sun to part shade. It prefers moist, humus-rich soils with good drainage. While it is not typically prone to diseases, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. This species is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems. The cultural significance of the flowers to the Nlaka’pamux people highlights its importance beyond horticulture.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Sierra shootingstar is valued for its ornamental flowers and is often used in native plant gardens, woodland gardens, and moist areas such as by streams or ponds. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in full sun to part shade. It prefers moist, humus-rich soils with good drainage. While it is not typically prone to diseases, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. This species is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems. The cultural significance of the flowers to the Nlaka’pamux people highlights its importance beyond horticulture.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 0.9-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
native to moist meadows, streambanks, and wet mountain forests in the Western United States, Canada and Alaska
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Dodecatheon jeffreyi, Dodecatheon alpinum, Dodecatheon jeffreyanum subsp. jeffreyanum, Primula jeffreyi, Dodecatheon jeffreyi var. jeffreyi, Dodecatheon jeffreyi subsp. jeffreyi, Dodecatheon exilifolium, Dodecatheon crenatum, Dodecatheon glandulosum
GBIF Accepted Name: Dodecatheon jeffreyanum subsp. jeffreyanum