Blochman’s Erigeron: A Rare California Native Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about California native plants and conservation gardening, you’ve probably never heard of Blochman’s erigeron (Erigeron blochmaniae). And there’s a good reason for that – this charming little wildflower is one of California’s rarest botanical treasures, with a conservation status that puts it firmly in the imperiled category.
What Makes This Plant Special
Blochman’s erigeron is a perennial herb that belongs to the daisy family, producing delicate flowers with white to pale pink petals surrounding sunny yellow centers. Like other erigerons, it has that classic fleabane appearance that gardeners either love for its cottage garden charm or overlook as too weedy. But don’t let its humble appearance fool you – this is botanical royalty hiding in plain sight.
This California endemic is found only within the Golden State’s borders, making it a true regional treasure. As a perennial forb, it lacks woody stems but returns year after year from its root system, creating small colonies over time when conditions are right.
Where You’ll Find It (Or Won’t)
Blochman’s erigeron calls California home exclusively, though you won’t find it just anywhere in the state. This rare plant has very specific habitat requirements and limited distribution, which contributes to its imperiled status.
The Conservation Reality Check
Here’s where we need to have a serious conversation. Blochman’s erigeron carries a Global Conservation Status of S2, meaning it’s imperiled due to extreme rarity. With typically only 6 to 20 known occurrences and perhaps 1,000 to 3,000 individual plants remaining in the wild, this isn’t your typical garden center find.
If you’re considering growing this plant, please only source it from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate from ethically collected seed or cuttings – never wild-collected plants. Better yet, consider supporting habitat conservation efforts or growing more common California natives that provide similar ecological benefits.
Garden Role and Design Potential
In the right garden setting, Blochman’s erigeron could serve as:
- A conversation starter in native plant collections
- Ground cover in specialized California native gardens
- A component in drought-tolerant landscapes
- A rock garden specimen for collectors
Growing Conditions and Care
Like many California natives, this erigeron likely prefers:
- Well-draining soil (essential for most California natives)
- Full sun to partial shade exposure
- Minimal summer water once established
- USDA hardiness zones 8-10
The beauty of California native perennials is their general low-maintenance nature once established. They’ve evolved to thrive in the state’s Mediterranean climate with its wet winters and dry summers.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While specific wildlife data for this rare species is limited, erigerons as a group are excellent pollinator plants. The small, daisy-like flowers typically attract native bees, beneficial insects, and sometimes butterflies. The seeds may provide food for small birds, though more research is needed on this particular species’ ecological relationships.
Should You Grow It?
This is where conservation ethics meet gardening passion. While Blochman’s erigeron would undoubtedly be a fascinating addition to a serious native plant collection, its rarity means most gardeners should consider alternatives.
Instead, why not try more common California erigerons like seaside fleabane (Erigeron glaucus) or Santa Barbara daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus)? These relatives offer similar aesthetic appeal without the conservation concerns.
If you do decide to grow Blochman’s erigeron, make it a conservation effort, not just a garden addition. Source plants responsibly, learn about its habitat needs, and consider sharing seeds with other conservation-minded gardeners to help preserve this genetic diversity.
The Bottom Line
Blochman’s erigeron represents both the incredible diversity of California’s native flora and the conservation challenges facing rare plants. While it might not be the right choice for every garden, it serves as a reminder of why protecting native plant habitats matters.
Sometimes the best way to appreciate a rare plant is to support its conservation in the wild while growing its more common relatives in our gardens. That’s not giving up – that’s being a responsible steward of California’s botanical heritage.
