Primrose (Primulaceae)

ISM Herbarium : Prairie Herbs : Primrose (Primulaceae)

Dodecatheon meadia (Shooting Star)
This specimen of Shooting Star shows the entire plant with its wide leaves, tall, single stem and flowing flowers. Shooting Star grows in moist to dry prairies and open savannas. It flowers in mid-to-late spring.

The flower stalk can grow to two feet in height. Leaves are about eight inches long and three inches wide.
Flower petals are about an inch long. The five reflexed petals give the plant its name; they surround five stamens that project upwards. The curved stalks trace the path of the shooting stars. Each flower stalk arises from a whorled set of bracts at the top of the stem. After blooming, the flower stalks stretch upward to display a green fruit.

Collection of the Illinois State Museum
ISM Herbarium Sheet #: 68879

ISM Herbarium : Prairie Herbs : Primrose (Primulaceae)

First | Previous | Next | Last