Henderson's shooting star (Primula hendersonii) is in the primrose family family (Primulaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 3,644 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in March.
Nationally it blooms mainly from February to April, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Henderson's shooting star: observations by month (U.S.)
About Henderson's shooting star
Primula hendersonii is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae, native to western North America, from California north to southern British Columbia and Idaho. Common names include broad-leaved shooting star, Henderson's shooting star, mosquito bills, and sailor caps.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Henderson's shooting star by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 3,369 | March | Feb–Apr |
| Oregon | 173 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Washington | 102 | April | Apr–May |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (primrose family)
Northern Starflower
Scarlet Pimpernel
Fringed Loosestrife
Western Starflower
Whorled Loosestrife
Eastern Shooting Star
Swamp Candles
Padre's Shooting Star
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Henderson's shooting star?
Nationally, March has the most observations, with the main season from February to April.
Where is Henderson's shooting star most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Oregon, Washington.