Dodecatheon pauciflorum var. exquisitumJ.F.Macbr. & Payson
Dodecatheon reflexumSalisb.
Dodecatheon serratumRaf.
Dodecatheon stanfieldiiSmall
Dodecatheon triflorumRaf.
Dodecatheon undatumRaf.
Dodecatheon uniflorumRaf.
Meadia crenata (Raf.)Kuntze
Meadia dodecatheaCrantz
Meadia dodecatheonMill.
Primula meadia (syn. Dodecatheon meadia), known by the common names shooting star, eastern shooting star, American cowslip, roosterheads, and prairie pointers[3][4] is a species of flowering plant in the primula family Primulaceae. Also, the plant belongs to a group of herbaceous perennials.[4] It is native to the eastern United States and Canada, spanning north from Manitoba and New York, south to Texas and Florida.[5][6]
It has a wide natural habitat, being found in both forests and prairies. It is most often found in calcareous areas.[5][7] It can be locally common in some areas of its range, however, it can become rare on its geographic edges.[5]
Description
Primula meadia is a perennial, growing to 8–20in (203–508mm) high, with flowers that emerge from a basal rosette of leaves (scapose). The petals are reflexed and have a column of anthers that sticks out from the flower. The majority of leaves are either basal or lanceolate.[3] These leaves can possess dimension up to 6" in length and 2.5" in width. The leaves contain smooth margins and an evident central vein that are emerald green and occasionally have a red base. The flowers bloom in the spring (March - Spring) and become dormant towards the end of the summer season.[4] Fruits are displayed in the early summer (May - June) before entering the dormant stage of its perennial life cycle.[5] The flowers point sharply backward, and form a terminal umbel with 8-20 flowers each. The stamens create a cone-like shape in the center of the flower forming a shooting star look, hence a common nickname.[5] Its seeds are dispersed by gusts of wind that shake the erect scapes.[8][5]
This species is geographically widespread, and has considerable morphological variation across its range. Most southern population have white petals, while northern populations have white to pink, lavender, or magenta petals.[5][9] The petals are fused and the base of these structures can vary in color. Uneven rings appear on the base in white, yellow, or maroon. [4]
Pink-flowered
In southeastern regions, petals are typically white
Pollination
The flowers of the Primula meadia are pollinated by bumble bees and other native bees. Honeybees are not included in this pollinator category because this species produces strictly pollen and not nectar. The pollen capsules measure from 0.25" - 0.75" and contain very small seeds that are dispersed through wind.[4]
Primula meadia is not toxic to neither humans nor pets.This species is not preferred by deer.[10]
Primula meadia 'Goliath' is a cultivar that grows larger flowers on taller scapes.[14] This species grows well when it is surrounded by plants that are shorter while it is in its early growing stages. [4] Additionally, the shooting star's ideal condition is partial shade, however, it can still grown in cooler zones with sun given that the soil is moist. As far as soil goes, this species prefers rocky, sandy soil but is also able to flourish when planted in clay soil. Once the seed is propagated, it will grow at a very slow pace, sometimes taking up to 4 years to bloom.[4]
This plant benefits when treated with fire or brush removal. Primula meadia is able to to live in an open habitat given that effects of potential competing woody vegetation are limited.[14]
Uses
Primula meadia is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardening practices. This species grows well when it is not obstructed by other flowers and when placed near front of flower beds.[4] The plant coexists well with other species in a woodland garden or in a rock garden. It also shares a habitat with other native wildflower plants.[5] The shooting star grows best in partially shady areas in a naturalized area.[6] The plant is characterized as non-invasive because it is able to naturalize without becoming too aggressive. [10]
Etymology and Taxonomy
The genus name is derived from the Greek words dodeka which is translated as twelve and theos which is translated as god.[6]
The species transitioned from using the name Dodecatheon meadia to Primula meadia due to genetic evidence found in the phylogenetic history of the plant. [15]
References
↑ NatureServe (5 May 2023). "Dodecatheon meadia". NatureServe Network Biodiversity Location Data accessed through NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia: NatureServe. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
1 2 3 Kartesz, John T. (2014). "Dodecatheonmeadia". County-level distribution map from the North American Plant Atlas (NAPA). Biota of North America Program (BONAP). Retrieved 29 April 2018.
↑ Weakley, Alan S. (2018), Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States, working draft of 20 August 2018, University of North Carolina Herbarium, North Carolina Botanical Garden, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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