Dodecatheon dentatum AGM

White Shooting Star Primulaceae

A lovely and rather distinctive Shooting Star, Dodecatheon dentatum forms a neat basal rosette of broad, long-stalked leaves with characteristically toothed margins, from which rise slender stems bearing umbels of pure white, nodding flowers. The strongly reflexed petals expose a striking central boss of dark purple to almost black anthers, with a yellow throat delicately marked in red. Flowering in late spring and early summer, it is one of the few Shooting Stars to have consistently white flowers. 

Native to moist meadows, streambanks, rocky slopes and open woodland from British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon and Idaho, it enjoys cool, moisture-retentive conditions and becomes summer dormant after flowering. Now botanically treated as Primula latiloba, although Dodecatheon dentatum remains the familiar horticultural name. 

Height: 20–40cm
Spread: 20–30cm
Flowering: May–July
Hardiness: H5
Aspect: Sun or partial shade
Soil: Moist, humus-rich and well drained