Sailor-Caps
Dodecatheon hendersonii
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Pl. 73F0 — Dodecatheon hendersonii
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IOverview
Overview
Sailor-Caps (Dodecatheon hendersonii) is a perennial plant native to the Pacific Northwest and California, thriving in habitats such as British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and parts of California. Known for its edible leaves and roots, this plant grows best in partial sun or full shade with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and reaches a height of about 0.3 meters. One distinctive feature of Sailor-Caps is its delicate white to pink flowers, which often have a prominent yellow center, making it an ornamental addition to gardens while also serving as a valuable food source for local communities.
Quick answers
What is Sailor-Caps?
Sailor-Caps (Dodecatheon hendersonii) is a perennial plant native to the Pacific Northwest and California, thriving in habitats such as British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and parts of California.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sailor-Caps prefers partial sun to full shade and thrives in moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows as a perennial, reaching up to 0.3 meters in height. For propagation, you can use seeds or divide the plants in early spring or fall. The edible parts include leaves and roots, making this plant both ornamental and useful for culinary purposes.
Light
Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Sailor-Caps for the first time
8steps
Start with Sailor-Caps as a simple perennial for your garden, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plot of soil or container, seeds or young plants, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Containers should have good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors before transplanting them outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide partial to full shade during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially when it's dry. Mulch around the base for moisture retention and weed control.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough shade.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The leaves and roots of Sailor-Caps are edible. Typically, the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. The roots may also be consumed, often after being dried or boiled to enhance their flavor and texture.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 4 native
Broader regions
native:California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 73f05b3d-165e-40a6-a377-c4f9a3a0700d
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