Eastern Shootingstar (Primula meadia)

Primula meadia
Conservation status
Secure  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Ericales
Family:	Primulaceae
Genus:	Primula
Section:	Primula sect. Dodecatheon
Species:	P. meadia
Binomial name
Primula meadia (L.) A.R.Mast & Reveal
Synonyms[2]
List Dodecatheon angustifolium Raf. Dodecatheon brachycarpum Small Dodecatheon cordatum Raf. Dodecatheon crenatum Raf. Dodecatheon cuneatum Raf. Dodecatheon ellipticum Raf. Dodecatheon flexuosum Raf. Dodecatheon hugeri Small Dodecatheon integrifolium Michx. Dodecatheon longifolium Raf. Dodecatheon lutescens C.Z.Nelson Dodecatheon meadia L. Dodecatheon obovatum Raf. Dodecatheon obtusum Raf. Dodecatheon ovatum Raf. Dodecatheon parviflorum Raf. Dodecatheon pauciflorum subsp. eupauciflorum R.Knuth Dodecatheon pauciflorum var. exquisitum J.F.Macbr. & Payson Dodecatheon reflexum Salisb. Dodecatheon serratum Raf. Dodecatheon stanfieldii Small Dodecatheon triflorum Raf. Dodecatheon undatum Raf. Dodecatheon uniflorum Raf. Meadia crenata (Raf.) Kuntze Meadia dodecathea Crantz Meadia dodecatheon Mill.

Primula meadia (syn. Dodecatheon meadia), known by the common names shooting star, eastern shooting star, American cowslip, roosterheads, and prairie pointers^[3][4] is a species of flowering plant in the primula family Primulaceae. Also, the plant belongs to a group of herbaceous perennials.^[4] It is native to the eastern United States and Canada, spanning north from Manitoba and New York, south to Texas and Florida.^[5][6]

It has a wide natural habitat, being found in both forests and prairies. It is most often found in calcareous areas.^[5][7] It can be locally common in some areas of its range, however, it can become rare on its geographic edges.^[5]

Primula meadia is a perennial, growing to 8–20 in (203–508 mm) high, with flowers that emerge from a basal rosette of leaves (scapose). The petals are reflexed and have a column of anthers that sticks out from the flower. The majority of leaves are either basal or lanceolate.^[3] These leaves can possess dimension up to 6" in length and 2.5" in width. The leaves contain smooth margins and an evident central vein that are emerald green and occasionally have a red base. The flowers bloom in the spring (March - Spring) and become dormant towards the end of the summer season.^[4] Fruits are displayed in the early summer (May - June) before entering the dormant stage of its perennial life cycle.^[5] The flowers point sharply backward, and form a terminal umbel with 8-20 flowers each. The stamens create a cone-like shape in the center of the flower forming a shooting star look, hence a common nickname.^[5] Its seeds are dispersed by gusts of wind that shake the erect scapes.^[8][5]

This species is geographically widespread, and has considerable morphological variation across its range. Most southern population have white petals, while northern populations have white to pink, lavender, or magenta petals.^[5][9] The petals are fused and the base of these structures can vary in color. Uneven rings appear on the base in white, yellow, or maroon. ^[4]

• 
  Pink-flowered
• 
  In southeastern regions, petals are typically white

The flowers of the Primula meadia are pollinated by bumble bees and other native bees. Honeybees are not included in this pollinator category because this species produces strictly pollen and not nectar. The pollen capsules measure from 0.25" - 0.75" and contain very small seeds that are dispersed through wind.^[4]

Primula meadia is not toxic to neither humans nor pets.This species is not preferred by deer.^[10]

Primula meadia and the white-flowered form P. meadia f. album have both gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[11][12][13]

Primula meadia 'Goliath' is a cultivar that grows larger flowers on taller scapes.^[14] This species grows well when it is surrounded by plants that are shorter while it is in its early growing stages. ^[4] Additionally, the shooting star's ideal condition is partial shade, however, it can still grown in cooler zones with sun given that the soil is moist. As far as soil goes, this species prefers rocky, sandy soil but is also able to flourish when planted in clay soil. Once the seed is propagated, it will grow at a very slow pace, sometimes taking up to 4 years to bloom.^[4]

This plant benefits when treated with fire or brush removal. Primula meadia is able to to live in an open habitat given that effects of potential competing woody vegetation are limited.^[14]

Primula meadia is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardening practices. This species grows well when it is not obstructed by other flowers and when placed near front of flower beds.^[4] The plant coexists well with other species in a woodland garden or in a rock garden. It also shares a habitat with other native wildflower plants.^[5] The shooting star grows best in partially shady areas in a naturalized area.^[6] The plant is characterized as non-invasive because it is able to naturalize without becoming too aggressive. ^[10]

The genus name is derived from the Greek words dodeka which is translated as twelve and theos which is translated as god.^[6]

The species transitioned from using the name Dodecatheon meadia to Primula meadia due to genetic evidence found in the phylogenetic history of the plant. ^[15]

^{[1][2][3][4][5]}