Shooting star
Dodecatheon meadia
Last reviewed: August 2026
Shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 24 more states. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia) 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
8"–18" H × 8"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 24 more states
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Woodland perennial with a basal rosette of smooth leaves and a slender leafless stalk bearing nodding, swept-back pink flowers with prominent yellow centers. Goes fully dormant by midsummer.
Growing Shooting star
Grow Shooting star in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 8 to 18 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Shooting star is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- foliage dies back completely by summer, leaving a bare gap in the bed
Wildlife value
Distinctive nodding flowers are buzz-pollinated by native bees in early spring.
Common questions
- How much sun does Shooting star need?
- Shooting star grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Shooting star bloom?
- Shooting star blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Shooting star native?
- Shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Shooting star attract?
- Shooting star draws bees.
- Is Shooting star HOA-friendly?
- Shooting star is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Shooting star? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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