Shooting Star

Shooting star refers to several species in the genus Dodecatheon (primrose family, Primulaceae) in Banff National Park; most commonly tall mountain shooting star (D. jeffreyi) and few-flowered shooting star (D. pulchellum). Their reflexed petals give the flowers a “shooting star” appearance.

Identification: Perennial (15–50 cm); basal, oval to lance-shaped leaves; umbels of nodding flowers with five petals reflexed backward, exposing a yellow cone (stamens and style). Pink to purple; blooms in spring and early summer.

Habitat: Montane to subalpine; moist meadows, stream margins, and wetlands. Often with glacier lily, common harebell, and heart-leaved arnica. Blooms May to July.

Viewing: Look in moist meadows along the Bow Valley Parkway, Johnston Canyon, and subalpine trails. Peak bloom June to July. Do not pick; flowers are sensitive and slow to recover.