Shooting Star
dodecatheon meadia
Also known as: ["American Cowslip","Babe-in-the-Cradle","Madame Butterfly"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial native to North America, known for its unique star-shaped flowers that nod downward and then shoot upward as they mature.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Primulaceae |
| Genus: | Dodecatheon |
| Botanical Name: | Dodecatheon meadia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded border
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on tidiness and health rather than drastic shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 4–6 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light is ideal; adjust for seasonal light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to brighter light; protect from harsh afternoon sun; place in shaded areas during peak summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; provide filtered light; rotate pot for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure good drainage; maintain consistent moisture; enrich with organic matter.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, 50–70°F (10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy.
Keep away from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from extreme fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; stop in dormancy; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Division or seed; division is preferred for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots.
- Replant immediately.
- Water thoroughly.
- Provide shade until established.
Best Time: Early spring before active growth begins or after flowering.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for seeds to improve germination.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; seeds: 2–4 weeks for germination, 1–2 years to mature.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, gloves, clean pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Divide only when necessary; keep divisions moist but not waterlogged; protect from direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; trim damaged leaves with clean cuts.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming; thin overcrowded clumps to improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged parts; remove spent flowers; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for division.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; water sparingly post-repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or leaf mold for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause leaf damage, slow growth, or dormancy; frost can be lethal.
Solution: Protect from frost with mulch or frost cloth; move potted plants indoors during freezes.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, dehydration, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse tools after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during active growth (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest parts of Dodecatheon meadia due to the presence of saponins. The effects are generally not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe saponins present in Dodecatheon meadia can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if consumed. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicDodecatheon meadia contains saponins which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Dodecatheon meadia?
A: Propagation is typically done by seed, as division can be difficult and may harm the plant.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Shooting Star?
A: It thrives in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil and benefits from a cool winter dormancy period.
Q: Does Dodecatheon meadia attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its unique flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Primulaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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