Wasatch Wildflowers: Small Flower Woodland Star (lithophragma parviflorum)

Photo: Small Flower Woodland Star (lithophragma parviflorum) – photo: Ashley Brown

WASATCH MOUNTAINS, Utah — The small flower woodland star, also known as prairie star, is a perennial herb native to Utah, with five tiny bright white or pink petals. The star-shaped flower grows between ½ – 1 inch wide. The lobed leaves mostly grow on the lower part of the stem, close to the base of the plant. The whole plant is typically less than one foot tall.

Look for blooming flowers in oak, maple, and sagebrush communities between 4,700 and 8,500 feet from spring to early summer.