Purple Shooting Star
Dodecatheon meadia
Purple Shooting Star is a charming spring wildflower with distinctive reflexed petals that resemble shooting stars. Native to North American prairies and woodlands, it symbolizes perseverance and ephemeral beauty.
Primulaceae (Primrose family)
Late spring to early summer (April-May)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: purple alpine saxifrages and coastal wildflowerss also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The Shooting Star is celebrated as a native North American wildflower and received the Royal Horticulture Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993. Its unique flower shape and early spring blooming make it a beloved symbol of the prairie ecosystem.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Partial shade to full sun in cooler zones; tolerates full shade if soil is moist
Water
Consistent moisture in spring during active growth; tolerates summer drought when dormant
Soil
Well-drained, Humusy, Rocky, Sandy, Moist but not wet
Expert Growing Tips
Plant goes dormant by midsummer; position near plants that will cover senescing foliage
Grows well through groundcovers like Vinca minor
Tolerates clay soil but prefers humusy, well-drained conditions
Propagate from seed (requires stratification) or by division in fall when dormant
Seedlings grow slowly, taking 3-4 years to flower
Not favored by deer
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Native wildflower gardens
- Woodland gardens
- Rock gardens and alpine settings
- Front of borders where flowers can be viewed
- Naturalizing in prairie landscapes
Traditional Uses
- Native Americans may have used the plant to aid women through pregnancy (historical, not confirmed)
- Generally no documented medicinal uses for modern application
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Purple Shooting Star
what does the shooting star flower symbolize?
Shooting star flowers symbolize perseverance, resilience, and ephemeral beauty — representing the fleeting yet magnificent moments of spring blooming.
how do you grow shooting star flowers?
Shooting stars grow best in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil during spring — they go dormant in summer, so plant them where other perennials will fill in later.
are shooting star flowers native to north america?
Yes, shooting star flowers are native to central and eastern North America — they naturally occur in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands from Wisconsin to Texas.
why are they called shooting stars?
The flowers are called shooting stars because their swept-back petals and prominent stamens resemble tiny shooting stars falling through the sky.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Purple Alpine Saxifrage
Saxifraga oppositifolia
Purple Alpine Saxifrage is one of the world's most northerly flowering plants, forming cushions of vibrant purple-pink blooms on Arctic tundra and mountain peaks. It symbolizes resilience, early renewal, and the triumph of life over adversity.
Coastal Wildflowers
Various species (Armeria, Limonium, Eryngium, etc.)
Coastal wildflowers are hardy plants that thrive in seaside conditions, adapted to salt spray and sandy soils. They symbolize resilience, adaptation, and the beauty of wild, untamed nature.
Erigeron
Erigeron spp.
Erigeron, commonly known as fleabane, features delicate daisy-like flowers that bloom prolifically throughout summer. These hardy perennials symbolize perseverance and natural beauty.