Hillside Woodland Star (Lithophragma heterophyllum) is in the saxifrage family family (Saxifragaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,008 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Nationally it blooms mainly from March to May, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Hillside Woodland Star: observations by month (U.S.)
About Hillside Woodland Star
Lithophragma heterophyllum is a species of flowering plant in the saxifrage family known by the common name hillside woodland star. It is native to the coastal mountain ranges of California, where it can generally be found in shady habitat. It is a rhizomatous perennial herb growing erect or leaning with a slender naked flowering stem. The leaves are located on the lower part of the stem, each divided into rounded lobes. The stem bears 3 to...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Hillside Woodland Star by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,008 | April | Mar–May |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (saxifrage family)
Threeleaf Foamflower
Creeping Foamflower
Virginia saxifrage
Twoleaf Miterwort
Fringe Cups
California Saxifrage
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 Hillside Woodland Star?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from March to May.
Where is Hillside Woodland Star most often seen?
The most observations come from California.