Growing at sea level in the coastal woodlands of Southern BC, tucked in among the Garry oak and Arbutus menziesii and the Sea Blush, Fawn Lily and Camas, the delicate Primula hendersonii (Broadleaf Shooting Star), appears to burst from the earth from its base of spoon-shaped green leaves.
This native spring wildflower is an important plant in the endangered Garry oak ecosystem. Its showy, bright magenta flowers emerge from a leafless red stalk to attract native pollinators and offer a vital source of pollen to bring home to their young.
It needs the moisture of spring rains but is dependant on dry conditions when it goes dormant in the summer. Ideal habitat for the Broadleaf Shooting Star is in rocky slopes or grassy meadows where it can enjoy full sun to part-shade.
Come see this wildflower for yourself in our Garry Oak Meadows at the Garden.