Shooting Star Dodecatheon meadia
ABOUT
The common name for Dodecatheon meadia is Shooting Star. This plant is known for its distinctive and charming flowers, which have a unique appearance resembling a falling star. Its blossoms come in colors ranging from white to pink and magenta. Each flower consists of five petals that are swept back dramatically from the center, creating a shape much like a comet with a tail. In the middle, there's a cluster of yellow stamens that extend outward, enhancing the star-like effect. The foliage of the Shooting Star forms a rosette of oblong, slightly toothed leaves at the base, from which the flower stems arise, each carrying a single, graceful bloom that nods downward at the tip. The overall impression is one of delicate beauty, drawing the eye and making the Shooting Star a beloved feature of the environments where it naturally thrives.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae
Synonyms
Shooting Star, Prairie Pointers, Pride Of Ohio, Mead's Milkweed, Lion's Beard
Common names
Dodecatheon meadia var. album, Dodecatheon meadia var. brevifolium, Dodecatheon meadia var. carneum, Dodecatheon meadia var. ensiferum, Dodecatheon meadia var. meadia, Dodecatheon meadia var. parviflorum, Dodecatheon meadia var. pumilum, Dodecatheon meadia var. riparium, Dodecatheon pauciflorum, Dodecatheon pulchellum, Primula meadia.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia) has not been widely reported as toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it is not typically considered edible and should not be ingested. While direct reports of poisoning are rare, consuming parts of the plant could potentially cause stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some individuals. It is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid eating plants that are not known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia) is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. As with any non-food plants, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by dogs or cats. Symptoms could include vomiting or diarrhea. It is generally recommended to keep pets from ingesting ornamental plants as they may not be suitable for consumption and could cause adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Support: Dodecatheon meadia, commonly known as Shooting Star, provides nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Ornamental Value: The unique and aesthetically pleasing flowers of the Shooting Star add visual interest and beauty to gardens, borders, and naturalized areas.
- Biodiversity: Planting Shooting Star contributes to biodiversity, offering a native plant option that can enhance the ecological health of the area.
- Soil Erosion Control: Roots of the Shooting Star help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly in native plant gardens or along slopes.
- Habitat Enhancement: The plant provides shelter and breeding places for various small animals and insects within its native range.
Medical Properties- Antispasmodic: Dodecatheon meadia, commonly known as Shooting Star, is traditionally used to relieve spasms or cramps.
- Pain relief: The plant has been used by some indigenous tribes to alleviate headaches and general body pain.
- Respiratory ailments: It is associated with treating respiratory issues, possibly acting as an expectorant.
- Gastrointestinal disorders: There's some historical reference to its use in addressing issues such as diarrhea and stomachaches.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a food source: The leaves of the Dodecatheon meadia, commonly known as Shooting Star, can be consumed in small quantities when young and tender, although they are not commonly eaten.
- Ink and dye production: The plant has been used historically by Native Americans to create a reddish dye for basketry and other craft items.
- Indicator of ecosystem health: Shooting Star is often used by ecologists as an indicator species to evaluate the health of a particular ecosystem where it naturally grows.
- Ornamental craft: The flowers of the Shooting Star are occasionally used in dried flower arrangements for decorative purposes due to their unique appearance.
- Cultural ceremonies: Some Native American tribes have historically used Shooting Star in their cultural ceremonies and storytelling.
- Education and research: Because of its unique flower structure, Dodecatheon meadia is sometimes used in botanical education to illustrate pollination mechanisms.
- Butterfly gardening: The plant is included in gardens designed to attract and sustain butterflies due to its appeal to certain species.
- Bee forage: Shooting Star is also valued for its role in supporting native bee populations, providing a source of nectar in early spring.
- Soil stabilization: This plant's root system can help to prevent soil erosion in areas where it is native and therefore is sometimes used in conservation efforts.
- Photography subject: Due to its striking aesthetic, Dodecatheon meadia is a favorite subject for nature photographers, especially when in bloom.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Shooting Star is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Shooting Star is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Charm and Distinction: Dodecatheon meadia, commonly known as Shooting Star, is often associated with charm and distinctiveness due to its unique and striking flower shape that resembles a star falling from the sky.
- Romantic Love: The Shooting Star's ephemeral beauty and resemblance to a fleeting moment often symbolizes the romantic and sometimes transient nature of love.
- Feminine Energy: With its delicate and graceful appearance, Shooting Stars are frequently linked to femininity and the celebration of female qualities.
- Guidance and Direction: Just as a shooting star is seen as a guide in the night sky, Dodecatheon meadia symbolizes guidance, inspiration, and the search for direction in life.
- Wishes and Dreams: As people often make a wish upon seeing a shooting star, the plant embodies hope, the fulfillment of wishes, and the pursuit of dreams.
- Rarity and Preciousness: Since the Shooting Star plant is not found ubiquitously and has a brief bloom period, it symbolizes rare and precious moments in life.
WaterShooting Star plants demand consistent moisture and should be watered more during dry spells, typically about once a week. It’s optimal to provide approximately one inch of water each week, allowing the soil to absorb the moisture without becoming waterlogged. In the case of container-grown Shooting Stars, they may require more frequent watering to ensure the soil remains evenly moist. During their dormant period in late summer, water requirements will decrease significantly, and you should reduce the frequency to avoid root rot.
LightShooting Stars prefer dappled sunlight or part shade conditions, thriving under the canopy of larger trees or in spots that receive filtered light. They do not do well in intense, direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch their leaves, so positioning them in a location that mimics their natural woodland habitat is ideal for their growth.
TemperatureShooting Stars are cold-hardy and can withstand minimum winter temperatures down to about 20°F. They thrive best in climate zones with changing seasons, with an ideal temperature range from 60°F to 75°F during their growing season. Extreme heat or frost can damage the plant, so providing some protection during very cold or very hot weather is beneficial.
PruningShooting Stars don't require extensive pruning, but deadheading spent flowers after blooming can encourage the plant to channel energy into root and foliage development. Pruning should be done after the flowering has finished, in late spring or early summer. Cutting back the foliage should be avoided until it has died back naturally in late summer, marking the beginning of the plant's dormancy period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShooting Star prefers moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix containing peat moss, loamy garden soil, and perlite or sand works well to provide the necessary aeration and moisture retention.
RepottingShooting Stars should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, as they can become root-bound. Spring is the ideal time to repot, just before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingShooting Star thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%. It benefits from being placed in a naturally humid environment or near a humidifier.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, indirect light and moist soil for indoor Shooting Stars.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and moist, rich soil for outdoor Shooting Stars.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleDodecatheon meadia, commonly known as Shooting Star or Prairie Point, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in late winter to early spring, often requiring cold stratification to break dormancy. The plant forms a basal rosette of oblong leaves, with growth primarily in spring and early summer, followed by a dormancy period in the hot summer months. Flower stalks emerge in spring, bearing unique flowers with reflexed petals and protruding stamens, resembling a shooting star. After pollination by bees, the plant produces a capsule containing numerous seeds, which are dispersed by wind or water. Shooting Star is a perennial, so it regrows from the same root system each year, expanding by forming clumps. The plant generally lives for several years, going through a cycle of dormancy and growth that is synchronized with the seasons.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
For the Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia), the most popular method of propagation is by seed. The best time to sow seeds is in fall, directly after collection, as they require a period of cold stratification to germinate. To propagate by seeds, distribute them evenly over a moist, well-draining seed starting mix, barely covering them with soil. Place the container in a cold frame or a shaded outdoor area through the winter, which naturally stratifies the seeds. Come spring, as the temperatures begin to rise, seedlings should start to appear. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early growth. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, usually in their second year, they can be transplanted into their final positions in the garden.
