Primulaceae
Primrose Family
Dodecatheon meadia L.
- Stem: perennial; basal leaves and smooth leafless flower stalk.
- Leaves: basal; oval, widest above the middle, long-tapering to the leaf stalk; blades 6” by 2”; margins smooth; smooth above and below.
- Inflorescence: umbel of about a dozen flowers on a smooth, leafless flower stalk, 1’ to 1 1/2’ tall; flower buds erect, curving downward in flower, and again becoming erect in fruit.
- Flowers: petals (5) pink (but varying from white to lavender), reflexed, 3/4” long, the grouped stamens forming a point 5/16” long, black nectaries between the bases of the stamens; calyx 3/8” long with pointed lobes, hidden beneath the petals during flowering; flowering from early to late May.
- Fruits: oval capsules, 1/2” long, opening at the tips with five points; seeds, 1/32” in diameter, brown, remaining in the upright fruits through the summer; fruiting begins in late May.
- Habitat: frequent on moist to dry and sandy prairies, in woodland openings, and in open woods.
- Notes: Some seeds often remain within the ripened capsule into the summer and can be easily harvested by tipping the capsule into a container and shaking the capsule.
- Bibliography from Biodiversity Heritage Library
- Vascular Plants of Iowa
