Buek’s Groundsel: A Hardy Native Wildflower for Wet Gardens
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance native wildflower that thrives in those tricky wet spots in your garden, meet Buek’s groundsel (Packera subnuda). This cheerful little perennial might not be the flashiest plant in the nursery, but it’s exactly the kind of reliable, eco-friendly groundcover that makes both gardeners and local wildlife happy.
What is Buek’s Groundsel?
Buek’s groundsel is a native North American perennial forb—that’s garden-speak for a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. You might also see it listed under its older names like Senecio subnudus or Packera buekii, but whatever you call it, this plant has been quietly doing its job in western landscapes for centuries.
As a member of the sunflower family, it produces clusters of small, bright yellow daisy-like flowers that appear in spring and early summer. The plant forms low rosettes of leaves at ground level, making it an excellent choice for naturalized areas where you want coverage without height.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This hardy native has quite an impressive range, stretching across western North America from the Northwest Territories down to California. You’ll find it naturally occurring in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. It’s particularly well-adapted to mountainous regions and areas with variable moisture conditions.
Why Choose Buek’s Groundsel for Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons to consider this native wildflower:
- Moisture flexibility: Unlike many plants that are picky about water, Buek’s groundsel adapts to different moisture levels, though it particularly shines in wet areas
- Native pollinator support: Those bright yellow flowers are magnets for native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
- Low maintenance: Once established, this perennial requires minimal care and can handle tough conditions
- Erosion control: Perfect for stabilizing soil in wet or sloped areas where other plants struggle
- Extended growing season: Hardy enough for USDA zones 3-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates
Perfect Garden Situations
Buek’s groundsel really shines in specific garden scenarios:
- Rain gardens: Its varying wetland status across regions makes it ideal for areas that collect runoff
- Rock gardens: The low-growing habit works beautifully among stones and boulders
- Native plant gardens: An authentic choice for recreating natural western landscapes
- Bog gardens: Thrives in consistently moist conditions
- Naturalized areas: Perfect for low-maintenance meadow-style plantings
Growing Conditions and Care
The beauty of native plants like Buek’s groundsel is that they’re already adapted to local conditions. Here’s what this plant prefers:
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade—it’s quite adaptable
Soil: While it can tolerate poor soils, it performs best with consistent moisture. The plant’s wetland status varies by region, so it can handle everything from occasionally wet to consistently boggy conditions.
Water: Regular moisture is ideal, especially during establishment. Once mature, it can handle some drought but truly thrives with consistent water.
Maintenance: Minimal! This is definitely a plant it and forget it kind of native. It may self-seed in favorable conditions, which is great for naturalizing larger areas.
Planting Tips for Success
Getting Buek’s groundsel established is straightforward:
- Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate
- Space plants according to your desired coverage—they’ll spread naturally over time
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Allow flowers to go to seed if you want natural spreading
Wildlife Benefits
One of the best reasons to grow native plants like Buek’s groundsel is the wildlife support they provide. The bright yellow flowers attract a variety of native pollinators who have co-evolved with this plant. Small native bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects all benefit from the nectar and pollen resources it provides during its blooming period.
Is Buek’s Groundsel Right for Your Garden?
This native wildflower is an excellent choice if you have wet or variable moisture areas in your landscape and want a low-maintenance, ecologically beneficial plant. It’s particularly valuable for gardeners interested in supporting native ecosystems and creating habitat for local wildlife.
While it might not have the showstopping blooms of some garden favorites, Buek’s groundsel offers something even better: reliability, ecological value, and the satisfaction of growing a plant that truly belongs in your local landscape. Sometimes the best garden plants are the ones that simply do their job well, year after year, without asking for much in return.
