Henderson's Shooting Star
Dodecatheon hendersonii
Last reviewed: July 2026
Henderson's Shooting Star is a California native wildflower that produces distinctive pink to white flowers from March through May. This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in partial sun and attracts bees and butterflies.
Henderson's Shooting Star (Dodecatheon hendersonii) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 3"–8" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Dodecatheon hendersonii (Henderson's shooting star) is a charming spring wildflower with distinctive nodding, magenta to pink flowers held above a basal rosette of leaves. This low-growing perennial blooms early in spring and goes dormant by summer, making it ideal for woodland gardens or partially shaded borders.
Growing Henderson's Shooting Star
Grow Henderson's Shooting Star in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 3 to 8 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Henderson's Shooting Star is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation.
- Goes dormant in summer, leaving bare spots
- Small size makes it best in grouped plantings
- Not as recognizable as conventional landscape plants
Wildlife value
The unique reflexed petals and pointed center of shooting star flowers attract native bees, especially bumblebees, which can perform buzz pollination to release the pollen. Some butterfly species may also visit the blooms.
Common questions
- When does Henderson's Shooting Star bloom?
- Henderson's Shooting Star typically blooms from March through May, producing clusters of distinctive backward-facing flowers.
- What pollinators visit Henderson's Shooting Star?
- This native California wildflower attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers. The unique flower shape requires specialized pollinators that can perform buzz pollination.
- Where is Henderson's Shooting Star native?
- Henderson's Shooting Star is native to California, where it grows naturally in grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral communities.
- What growing conditions does Henderson's Shooting Star prefer?
- This California native prefers partial sun to light shade and low to moderate water once established. It goes dormant in summer and returns with winter rains.
- Is Henderson's Shooting Star toxic to dogs?
- Henderson's Shooting Star is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Henderson's Shooting Star toxic to cats?
- Henderson's Shooting Star is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Henderson's Shooting Star HOA-friendly?
- Henderson's Shooting Star is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Henderson's Shooting Star? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz