Primula latiloba
Primula latiloba, synonyms Dodecatheon dentatum and Dodecatheon latilobum, is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae, known by the common names white shooting star and toothed American cowslip. It is native to areas of western North America, British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Description. "Primula latiloba" is an herbaceous perennial growing to in height. This species has toothed (dentate) leaves, hence one of its common names. The leaves have pointed oval blades up to 10 cm long by 6 cm wide with wavy or toothed edges. Each is borne on a long, winged petiole. The inflorescence  contains 1 to 12 flowers. It arises on a tall, erect flowering stalk. The flower corolla has five white lobes each 1 or 2 centimeters long. They are reflexed away from the flower's center, which contains one style surrounded by large reddish, purplish or black anthers containing pollen. Its bloom period is May to July. The petals are white or cream. It is the only shooting star to have populations with consistently white flowers. Taxonomy. The species was first described as "Dodecatheon dentatum" by William Jackson Hooker in 1838. In 1876, Asa Gray described "Dodecatheon meadia" var. "latilobum". In  1905, this taxon was raised to a full species, "Dodecatheon latilobum". "Dodecatheon latilobum" is now regarded as a synonym of "Dodecatheon dentatum". In 2007, when the genus "Dodecatheon" was reduced to a section of "Primula", it was necessary to transfer the species to "Primula". However, the name "Primula dentata" had already been published (in 1819) for a different species, so the next oldest epithet was used and "Dodecatheon dentatum" became "Primula latiloba". Subspecies. Some subspecies were defined within "Dodecatheon dentatum", but are now regarded as separate species. No subspecies remain in "Primula latiloba". Cultivation. "Primula latiloba" is cultivated as a  perennial ornamental plant, used in traditional and native plant shade gardens. It is of special value to native bumble bees. The plants usually go dormant almost immediately after flowering. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.