Dodecatheon jeffreyi (Sierra Shooting Star)
Dodecatheon jeffreyi (Sierra Shooting Star) is a most beautiful herbaceous perennial with large umbels of 3-18 nodding, rose-purple flowers, 1 in. long (2 cm), resembling cyclamen blooms. Each flower has 4-5 swept-back petals and a cluster of prominent dark stamens that appear like wind-blown umbrellas. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the charming blossoms are borne on upright, leafless, flower scapes that rise from a basal rosette of long, rounded leaves. The entire plant usually goes completely dormant and disappears by mid-summer. Native to western North America where it grows in moist mountain meadows, stream or lake margins, bogs, and open coniferous woodlands, Sierra Shooting Star is one of the most beautiful spring wildflowers. A colony of these plants in bloom is a sight to behold. A delightful addition to any garden.
- Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 10-24 in. wide (25-60 cm)
- Performs best in full sun or part shade in neutral to acidic, moist soils. Tolerates constantly moist conditions, such as beside a stream or pond.
- Excellent choice for beds and borders, underplanting shrubs and roses, cottage gardens, woodland gardens, or rock gardens.
- Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails.
- Divide in early spring, or propagate by seed.
- Native to western North America from California to Alaska to Montana.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Dodecatheon – Shooting Stars |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early) |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 10" – 2' (25cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 10″ – 24″ (25cm – 60cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Alaska, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Wyoming |
| Tolerance | Clay Soil |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ponds and Streams, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |