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Description
Dodecatheon Pulchellum Subsp. Pauciflorum is a beautiful perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the primrose family. This plant is commonly known as few-flowered shooting star or few-flowered prairie shooting star. It is native to North America and can be found in the western United States and Canada. The plant has a deep taproot and forms a basal rosette of leaves that are green and lance-shaped. The stem of the plant is smooth and grows up to 30 cm tall. The flowers of the plant are the main attraction, as they are showy, fragrant, and have a unique shape. They are pink to lavender in color and have five petals that curve backward, forming a tube-like structure. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Genus | Dodecatheon |
| Species | Dodecatheon Pulchellum |
| Subspecies | Dodecatheon Pulchellum Subsp. Pauciflorum |
Appearance
Few-flowered shooting star has a unique appearance that makes it stand out in any garden or natural setting. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves that are lance-shaped and green. The stem of the plant is smooth and grows up to 30 cm tall. The flowers of the plant are the main attraction, as they are showy, fragrant, and have a unique shape. They are pink to lavender in color and have five petals that curve backward, forming a tube-like structure. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Care Guide
To keep your few-flowered shooting star healthy and thriving, here are some care tips to follow:
Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as the plant prefers moist but well-drained soil.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not bloom as profusely.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Few-flowered shooting star is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Aphids, spider mites, and thrips can also infest the plant. To prevent these pests, keep the plant healthy and avoid overwatering. If pests do appear, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Few-flowered shooting star is native to North America and can be found in the western United States and Canada. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can be found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is few-flowered shooting star a good plant for a beginner gardener?
A: Yes, few-flowered shooting star is a relatively easy plant to grow and care for. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is also generally pest and disease-free.
Q: How often should I water my few-flowered shooting star?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as the plant prefers moist but well-drained soil.
Q: Can I grow few-flowered shooting star in a container?
A: Yes, few-flowered shooting star can be grown in a container as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage. Use a well-draining soil mix and water regularly.
Q: How do I propagate few-flowered shooting star?
A: Few-flowered shooting star can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Dig up the plant and carefully separate the root ball into several sections. Replant each section in a new location and water well.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to consider:
- Dodecatheon Meadia
- Dodecatheon Clevelandii
- Dodecatheon Hendersonii
- Dodecatheon Jeffreyi
References
- “Dodecatheon Pulchellum Subsp. Pauciflorum.” USDA Plants Database.
- “Dodecatheon Pulchellum Subsp. Pauciflorum.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
- “Few-Flowered Shooting Star.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
