Eastern Shooting Star, also known as "Pride of Ohio," is a charming little wildflower with nodding, distinctive, reflexed petals. The shuttlecock-like flowers dangle from a leafless flower stem which is 6-12" tall and surrounded by a basal rosette of smooth, narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The flower color can range from white to dark pink, and blooming occurs in late spring and lasts for about one month. Queen bumblebees are a common sight at the flowers, buzz-pollinating and collecting pollen as their reward! Eastern Shooting Stars need well-drained soil, moist but not wet, and preferably with some protection from the harsh afternoon sun. Sunnier locations can be tolerated with adequate soil moisture, but partially shaded conditions are best. After the flowers go to seed, the foliage will begin to yellow and die back for the summer. The seed heads will continue to stick around until the wind blows them apart, carrying the seed up to several feet away to increase the size of the colony. The fibrous root system can also spread by forming offsets, but this requires patience. A colony of Eastern Shooting Star in full bloom is a fleeting surprise, much like the common name suggests.
Sources:
Growing and Propagating Wildflowers by William Cullina
Herbaceous Perennial Plants by Allan M. Armitage
Missouri Botanical Garden
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Illinois Wildflowers
