Woodland Star*
Lithophragma heterophyllum
Care
part shade
0–1ft tall
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Woodlands and open grasslands from the Inner Coast Ranges to the Sierra Nevada foothills from Kern County to Shasta County, below 4000 ft elevation.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Woodland Star in partial shade to deep shade - it's a California native that thrives in shady woodland conditions, so avoid full sun. Space it in well-draining soil typical of coastal mountain habitats. The best time to plant is in fall or early spring to let it establish before summer.
After Planting
Water regularly during your first summer to help it establish, then reduce watering as the plant matures and relies on rainfall. Woodland Star is deer resistant and naturally grows as a low herbaceous plant (under 2 feet tall), so it needs minimal pruning - just remove dead growth as needed. The biggest mistake is overwatering or planting it in full sun; this shade-loving native will struggle in bright, hot conditions.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California Endangered; Species of Special Concern
California Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Specialist moth with larvae developing on plant tissues in spring
Early season pollen and nectar source for emerging native bee species
Larvae feed on plant during spring growth period
Parasitoid or phytophagous fly associated with plant in spring
Larvae feed on plant tissues during spring emergence and development
Early spring butterfly larvae dependent on plant tissues during development