Dodecatheon hendersonii

Habit: this bulb producing perennial begins in late winter with thick spoon shaped leaves at the base of the plant. Showy flowers appear in early spring on top of a tall 12 in (30 cm) leafless flower stalk. Flowers are inside out with petals magenta to deep lavender to white, with a white strip before the black fertile part. It blooms February to May and is summer deciduous, dying back to the ground after the rains cease.

Ecology: west of the Cascades in open dry to moist woods, in grassy shady areas, below 6500 ft (2000 m).

Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil. It needs good drainage, and needs a dry summer period.

No other Dodecatheon blooms before May or grows below 3500 ft (1067 m).