Pride of Ohio

Pride of Ohio

Dodecatheon meadia

This plant is more commonly known as Shooting Star, but it has several other common names, e.g. Roosterheads and American Cowslip (which is also the title of a movie about a heroin addict who has a flower garden).

It is one of the more attractive plants in a prairie.  It blooms earlier in the year before becoming overwhelmed by the grasses and other tall plants.  It is also planted in gardens a lot since it is so beautiful.

It's genus name, Dodecatheon, comes from the Greek meaning "Twelve Gods".  Why Linneaus gave it this name is widely speculated, but I think you'd have to ask Linneaus to know for sure.



The flower is quite striking

It has only basal leaves