About Dodecatheon hendersonii A.Gray
Dodecatheon hendersonii A.Gray (also referenced as P. hendersonii) is summer deciduous, dying back completely to the ground after rainfall stops. It grows basal clumps of leaves that measure 2–16 cm long, and produces nodding flowers 6–25 mm long held on stems 10–30 cm tall. Flower colors range from magenta to deep lavender to white, with protruding stamens and backward-curving sepals. This species is highly variable and hybridizes with Primula clevelandii; it can be distinguished from Primula clevelandii by its reddish or purplish stem. In California, it is found in the northwestern region (excluding the north coast), the Cascade Range, the Sierra Nevada foothills, the Central Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area, the north Inner South Coast Ranges, and the San Bernardino Mountains. It typically grows in open woodlands, occurring from sea level in British Columbia up to 1,900 m (6,234 ft) altitude in California. For cultivation, this species requires good drainage and a dry dormant period in summer. Plants grown from seed usually take 3–5 years to produce flowers. Frequent light fertilization and consistent moisture can delay dormancy and reduce the time to first flowering to 1–2 years. An alternative method to speed flowering is to store plants in a cool location after they enter dormancy, then move them to a shadehouse in midsummer. It can also be propagated through division during winter. It prefers shaded conditions when grown inland. The leaves and roots of Dodecatheon hendersonii are edible after roasting or boiling, but are reported to be poisonous when consumed raw.
