White Shooting Star Dodecatheon meadia f. album
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as white shooting star is a captivating perennial that features a rosette of oval to oblong leaves at its base, which are green and may have a slight glaucous tint, making them appear somewhat waxy or dusty. From the center of this basal foliage emerges a flower stalk, topped with an umbel of striking blooms. Each flower is composed of a white corolla, with reflexed petals that sweep backwards like the tail of a comet, giving the impression of a shooting star. At the center of the petals, contrasting yellow stamens protrude outward, providing an eye-catching display. The flowers are arranged in an open, nodding cluster, presenting an ethereal appearance. This white-flowered form of the more typical pink or magenta shooting star offers a luminous quality to the shade garden, blooming in the springtime and adding a touch of elegance with its unique floral structure.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae.
Synonyms
White Shooting Star, White Prairie Pointer, White Meadia's Pride.
Common names
Dodecatheon meadia var. album
ToxicityTo humans
Shooting star is not widely known to be toxic to humans; however, eating any plant that is not typically consumed as food can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction in some individuals. It is always best to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants due to potential individual sensitivities or the presence of harmful compounds.
To pets
Shooting star is not widely recognized as a poisonous plant to pets. However, it is generally advisable to prevent pets from ingesting non-food plants, as they can cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in some animals. If a pet does consume part of the plant, watch for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, and consult a veterinarian if such symptoms occur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45.72 centimeters)
Spread
1 foot (30.48 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Support: Provides nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Garden Aesthetics: Adds visual interest to gardens with its distinctive white flowers and upright growth habit.
- Naturalizing: Can spread over time to form natural-looking drifts, ideal for wildflower gardens and woodland settings.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a unique spring bloom when many other plants are not yet flowering.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant and can thrive in well-drained soil with less frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Landscape Versatility: Able to grow in a range of conditions from full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile choice for different garden locations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental Display: Dodecatheon meadia, commonly known as Shooting Star, is prized in gardens for its distinctive and attractive blooms, which add a unique aesthetic value to native plant gardens and woodland settings.
- Butterfly Gardening: The flower's nectar and pollen can attract butterflies, making it a beneficial addition to butterfly gardens aimed at supporting local pollinator populations.
- Educational Tool: Due to its unique flower structure, Shooting Star can be used by educators to illustrate pollination mechanisms and the adaptation of plant structures to their ecological niches.
- Photography Subject: The striking appearance of Shooting Star makes it a favorite subject for nature photographers and plant enthusiasts aiming to capture the beauty of native flora.
- Cultural Symbolism: In some cultures, the plant is used as a symbol in ceremonies and artistic representations due to its unique star-like flowers.
- Dried Arrangements: The seed capsules and dried flowers of Shooting Star can be used in dried flower arrangements to provide an unusual and lasting decoration.
- Wildlife Habitat: Shooting Star can form part of a habitat garden, providing shelter and food for small insects and contributing to biodiversity.
- Soil Stabilization: The plant can be used in conservation efforts, especially in sloped areas, as its root system helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
- Seasonal Interest: Shooting Star provides seasonal interest in gardens and natural landscapes, particularly with its springtime bloom that signals the end of winter.
- Thematic Gardens: It can be a part of thematic gardens, such as a "stars and space" themed garden, due to its celestial-shaped flowers aligning with the theme's concept.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe White Shooting Star is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe White Shooting Star is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Innocence: With its pure white flowers, Dodecatheon meadia f. album, commonly known as white Shooting Star, represents innocence and purity.
- Youthful Charm: The delicate and nodding shape of the blooms is often associated with the playful and whimsical nature of youth.
- Uniqueness: White Shooting Star's distinct flower shape sets it apart from other flowers, symbolizing individuality and a stand-out character.
- New Beginnings: Blooming in spring, it epitomizes the idea of new starts and rebirth, making it an emblem of hope and revitalization.
- Wishes and Dreams: The name itself, Shooting Star, suggests a connection to making wishes and the idea of dreams coming to fruition.
WaterWhite Shooting Star should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically means watering once a week during active growth in spring and summer. It prefers consistent moisture, so during periods of drought provide additional water to maintain even soil moisture, without overwatering. Water the plant with about one gallon of water for larger plants or up to 32 ounces for smaller potted specimens to ensure the soil is thoroughly moistened. Decrease watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
LightWhite Shooting Star thrives best in partial to full shade, particularly enjoying bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight. A spot under tall trees that allows dappled sunlight through or a north-facing window that receives soft light is ideal for this plant. Avoid exposing it to direct, harsh sunlight as it can cause leaf burn.
TemperatureWhite Shooting Star prefers moderate temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F but prefers a range between 60°F and 75°F during the growing season. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures above 90°F, as extreme heat can be detrimental to its health.
PruningPruning White Shooting Star is generally done to remove spent flower stalks and encourage a tidy growth habit. After flowering, cut back the flower stems to the base of the plant. Pruning can be done annually, immediately after the blooming period in late spring or early summer. This helps direct the plant's energy to root and leaf development.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia f. album) should be rich, well-draining, and have a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loamy soil with added organic matter such as peat or compost will provide the right conditions. Adequate aeration and moisture retention can be achieved by including perlite or vermiculite in the mix.
RepottingShooting Star should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best done after flowering as the plant goes dormant. Provide a slightly larger pot to ensure sufficient space for the roots to expand.
Humidity & MistingShooting Star thrives best at moderate humidity levels, around 40% to 60%. This plant does not require extremely high humidity; consistent average room humidity should suffice for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, indirect light and keep soil moist for indoor Shooting Stars.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade, keep moist, and protect from harsh weather.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleDodecatheon meadia f. album, commonly known as the white-flowered shooting star, begins its life cycle with seed germination which typically occurs in late winter to early spring. After germination, the seedling develops into a rosette of leaves close to the ground. The plant undergoes vegetative growth during spring and early summer, where it accumulates resources in its corm, a bulb-like underground storage organ. Following this period of growth, the shooting star will produce distinctive white flowers in mid to late spring, which are pollinated by insects, especially bees. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into capsules that release seeds when mature. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the summer months when conditions are hot and dry, resuming growth with the onset of cooler, moist conditions in autumn or the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating Dodecatheon meadia f. album, commonly known as White Shooting Star, is through seed sowing. To propagate by seed, sow them directly outside in fall, which allows a natural stratification period during the winter months. If starting them indoors, you need to mimic this cold period by placing the moistened seeds in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for about four to six weeks. After this stratification, sow the seeds in a well-draining seed starting mix, barely covering them with soil, and keep them at a temperature of around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 21.1 degrees Celsius). Seeds usually germinate in 14 to 30 days. Once seedlings have developed a set of true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them to individual pots and continue to grow them until they are ready to be transplanted outdoors after the threat of frost has passed.
