Sailor-Caps, Mosquito bills
Dodecatheon hendersonii
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
Dodecatheon hendersonii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from March to July, in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Woods and prairies.
South-western N. America - California to Vancouver Island.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Root - cooked. Roasted in ashes. It is a bulbil. Leaves - cooked. Roasted in ashes.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a moist, rich, well-drained soil and some shade. Prefers woodland conditions or a cool moist shady border. Plants prefer a dry period when dormant in the summer.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. A short period of cold stratification may improve the germination of stored seed which should be sown in spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 12 months at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in March or September. Autumn is best. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist