Dodecatheon dentatum
toothed American cowslip
A herbaceous perennial forming a clump of toothed, oval leaves, with nodding white flowers 2cm in length in terminal umbels on stems to 30cm in height in late spring
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/WSY0006995_9921.jpg)
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | White | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Dodecatheon are summer-dormant herbaceous perennials with basal rosettes of simple leaves and erect or arching stems bearing umbels of cyclamen-like flowers with strongly reflexed petals
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. Suitable for woodland or rock garden
Propagation
Propagate by seed in pots in an open frame as soon as seed is ripe; seed needs exposure to cold before it will germinate or propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.