Western Starflower (Lysimachia latifolia) is in the primrose family family (Primulaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,903 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Nationally it blooms mainly from May to May, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Western Starflower: observations by month (U.S.)
About Western Starflower
Lysimachia latifolia, sometimes called Trientalis latifolia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae. It is known as starflower, chickweed-wintergreen, or Pacific starflower.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Western Starflower by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,382 | May | Apr–May |
| Washington | 976 | May | May–Jun |
| Oregon | 545 | May | May–Jun |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (primrose family)
Northern Starflower
Scarlet Pimpernel
Henderson's shooting star
Fringed Loosestrife
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 Western Starflower?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from May to May.
Where is Western Starflower most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Washington, Oregon.