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Friends of Kananaskis Country

Enhance, protect and share the unique natural and cultural experiences of Kananaskis Country through public participation and environmental education.

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  • About K-Country
    • Kananaskis Country
    • Trail Maps
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    • Bite-Sized Advice
    • Trail & Camping Info
    • Kananaskis Conservation Pass
    • Critters of K-Country
    • Flowers of K-Country
    • Plants of K-Country
    • Fungi of K-Country
  • Programs + Events
    • Trail Care
      • Recruiting Crew Leaders & Backcountry Crew
      • Migratory Birds and the Friends
    • Canmore Trail Alliance
    • Trails Fest
    • Environmental Education
    • Chandra Crawford Hut at CNC
  • Engage
    • Sign Up and Join Us
    • Volunteer
      • Volunteer Projects
    • Corporate & Group Trail Days
    • Trail Day – What to Bring & Expect
    • Volunteer Agreement, Release and Waiver of Liability Form
    • Trail Groups and Clubs
  • Library
    • Latest News
    • Annual Reports
    • Great Kananaskis Flood Book
    • Bylaws & Cooperating Agreement
    • Newsletter
      • 2020 Newsletter Archive
      • 2019 Newsletter Archive
      • 2018 Newsletter Archive
      • 2017 Newsletter Archive
      • 2016 Newsletter Archive
      • 2015 Newsletter Archive
      • 2014 Newsletter Archive
      • 2013 Newsletter Archive
      • 2012 Newsletter Archive
      • 1997 – 2008 Newsletter Archive
    • Policies
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      • Legacy Fund FAQs
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Shooting Star

The distinctive Shooting Star Flower

Shooting Stars, Dodecathon pulchellum, are a readily identifiable spring flower in K-Country. They typically bloom in late May and last until early July. They are fans of moister soils and spread easily. Supposedly, you can readily cultivate them at home, too.

There are 17 species of Shooting Star worldwide, growing in western North America and Siberia. Of these 17, two kinds of Shooting Stars are found here. Both has a few names – the Mountain (or Desert or Bonneville) and the Saline (or Darkthroat or Pretty). However, they are difficult to tell apart and equally common in K-Country. If you want to try, the easiest giveaway is that the Mountain variety has hairy leaves. Despite liking moisture, Shooting Stars tolerate drier soils, and so are common in high mountain meadows.

Both have distinctive flowers that look just like their Shooting Star name. The stamens and dark anthers stick forward and the purple petals pull back. Most anyone can identify them, as they look like they’re going fast. Their pollen is microscopic and released by just the vibration of the wings of nearby bees in a process called “buzz pollination”.

Indigenous people infused the roots and leaves in water to make an eyewash. They also mashed the flowers to make pink dye. Some also saw the plant as a charm to obtain wealth.

See some of the other pretty flowers of K-Country here!

Shooting Stars

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Contact Us

email: info@kananaskis.org
Phone: 403.678.5593
Mail Address:
Suite 201, 800 Railway Ave.
Canmore, Alberta
T1W 1P1

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