July
7
Natural selection: Dodecatheon
Common shootingstar (D)
* Zone 3
* Native to Manitoba and the eastern U.S.
Also known as the American cowslip, three species of are native to the eastern half of North America, while the remaining 11 are indigenous to the west. , named after Richard Mead (1673-1754), physician to George II and wildflower enthusiast, is the form most frequently found in gardens; northern populations tend to have lavender to magenta-coloured flowers, while those from the south are usually white.
Often grouped with the spring ephemerals, Dodecatheon species and cultivars bloom from mid-spring to early summer, typically becoming dormant by midsummer. They take three years to flower from seed, and should be sited in rich, moist soil in partly shaded conditions.
Fast fact: Dodecatheon plants should never be gathered from the wild: In many regions, they are listed as endangered or extirpated. Be on the lookout for these beauties:
White shootingstar ()
* Zone 5
* Native from British Columbia to New Mexico
Mosquito bills ()
* Zone 7
* Native from British Columbia to California
Sierra shootingstar ()
* Zone 4
* Native from Alaska to California
Darkthroat shootingstar ()
* Zone 2
* Native from northern Canada to New Mexico
Want more information on native plants?
Evergreen, a national charity that makes cities more liveable, has a comprehensive Native Plant Database.
Similar Posts:
- Natural selection: Indiangrass
- Wednesday What’s New: Drought Tolerant Junipers
- GM Green Wall in Trafalgar Square designed by Shelley Mosco landscape architect
- Thursday Tips & Techniques: Weed Blocking Flowers
- Tuesday Tools: Mineral Soil Amendments
