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eastern shooting star

Primula meadia

The eastern shooting star is a beautiful flower that looks like tiny stars! It blooms in spring and has lovely pink and white petals that dance in the breeze.

Habitat: Meadows and forest edges

Appearance

The eastern shooting star is a unique wildflower with distinct downward-pointing, cyclamen-like petals, often white, pink, or purple, fused at the base. Its central beak-like structure points upwards, contrasting with the reflexed petals, giving it an arrow-in-flight appearance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyPrimulaceaeGenusDodecatheon
eastern shooting star
flowering trait badgecluster_flower trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
eastern shooting star

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its unique flower shape encourages special bees for pollination!

Some Indigenous peoples historically used its roots for medicinal teas.

The petals look like shooting stars, flying through the spring forest!

This plant loves moist, rich soil, often found near streams and meadows.

Special abilities

Ability

Reflexed Petal Power

Eastern shooting star has petals that bend backward, creating a landing platform for long-tongued insect pollinators like bees.

Ability

Deep Root Dive

Eastern shooting star can send roots deep into the soil, helping it survive dry periods and access water.

Ability

Spring Bloom Burst

Eastern shooting star has adapted to bloom early in spring, capturing sunlight before trees fully leaf out.

Ability

Seed Sling Shot

Its seed capsule shakes in the wind, slinging seeds away to help new plants grow elsewhere.

Measurements & details

Height
30-50 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
1-2.5 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Utilizes buzz pollination to access hard-to-reach pollen.

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen from the distinctive blossoms.

pollinates

Common Drone Fly

Syrphus ribesii

Feeds on nectar, aiding in pollination.

eats

Black Vine Weevil

Otiorhynchus sulcatus

Larvae feed on the plant's roots underground.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't pick flowers without asking an adult first, so everyone can enjoy them!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is eastern shooting star?

30-50 cm

How wide does eastern shooting star spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on eastern shooting star?

1-2.5 cm

When does eastern shooting star bloom?

Spring

Is eastern shooting star edible?

No

Is eastern shooting star toxic?

Mild

What is eastern shooting star's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is eastern shooting star pollinated?

Insect

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