The Shooting Star is part of the Primrose family Primulaceae.
The species have basal clumps of leaves and nodding flowers
that are produced at the top of tall stems that rise from
where the leaves join the crown. They are commonly
called Shooting Stars because of the flower shape.

They are largely confined to North America,
and part of northeastern Siberia.
Common names also include, American Cowslip,
Mosquito Bills, Mad Violets,[1] and Sailor-caps.