Henderson's Shooting Star
Dodecatheon hendersonii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Henderson's Shooting Star (Dodecatheon hendersonii) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, 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.
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: backyard only, 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.
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.
Does Henderson's Shooting Star fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.