Amethyst shooting star
Dodecatheon amethystinum
Last reviewed: September 2026
Amethyst shooting star (Dodecatheon amethystinum) is a perennial forb native to IA, IL, MN, MO and 2 more states. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bumble bees and bees.
Toxicity unknown
Amethyst shooting star (Dodecatheon amethystinum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–16" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
IA, IL, MN, MO and 2 more states
Pollinators
bumble bees, bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Small perennial with a basal rosette of smooth leaves and slender stalks bearing nodding, swept-back magenta-pink flowers with yellow centers in early spring, growing on moist, mossy limestone cliffs and rocky slopes. Foliage disappears by early summer.
Growing Amethyst shooting star
Grow Amethyst shooting star in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 16 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Flowers require buzz pollination and are visited primarily by bumble bees in early spring.
Common questions
- How much sun does Amethyst shooting star need?
- Amethyst shooting star grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Amethyst shooting star bloom?
- Amethyst shooting star blooms in April and May.
- Where is Amethyst shooting star native?
- Amethyst shooting star (Dodecatheon amethystinum) is native to IA, IL, MN, MO and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Amethyst shooting star attract?
- Amethyst shooting star draws bumble bees and bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Amethyst shooting star? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.