Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia) © William Britten use with permission only

Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia) is an unusual and attractive Smoky Mtn wildflower. It’s a member of the Primrose family and grows to two feet high. All of the photos on this page were taken in mid-April during a hike to White Oak Sinks in the Smokies.

The name Dodecatheon means “twelve gods.” This wildflower grows from southern Minnesota to northern Georgia. It is fairly uncommon in the Smoky Mountains.

Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia) © William Britten use with permission only

When your wildflower hunt is over for the day, the William Britten Gallery on Glades Rd features all of my Smoky Mtn photos. Please stop in, say hello, and browse the collection.

Smoky Mtn Wildflower © William Britten use with permission only