Coastal Bluff Beggarticks: A Rare Hawaiian Native Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about Hawaiian native plants and want to add a touch of authentic island flora to your garden, coastal bluff beggarticks (Bidens forbesii) might just be the perfect addition. This charming little shrub embodies the resilient spirit of Hawaii’s coastal ecosystems, though it comes with some important considerations that every responsible gardener should know.
What Makes Coastal Bluff Beggarticks Special?
Coastal bluff beggarticks is a low-growing perennial shrub that typically stays under 1.5 feet tall, though it can occasionally reach up to 3 feet at maturity. Don’t let its modest size fool you – this native Hawaiian plant packs plenty of character with its cheerful yellow, daisy-like flowers and compact, bushy form.
As its name suggests, this plant has evolved to thrive in Hawaii’s challenging coastal bluff environments, making it naturally tough and drought-tolerant once established.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
Bidens forbesii is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning you won’t find it growing wild anywhere else on Earth. This makes it a truly special addition to any Hawaiian garden, connecting your landscape directly to the islands’ unique natural heritage.
A Word of Caution: This Plant Needs Our Help
Here’s where things get important: coastal bluff beggarticks has a Global Conservation Status of S3, meaning it’s considered vulnerable. With typically only 21 to 100 occurrences and between 3,000 and 10,000 individuals remaining, this plant is fighting for survival in the wild.
If you decide to grow this species, please only source it from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their plants responsibly. Never collect plants or seeds from wild populations – every plant in nature is precious for the species’ survival.
Growing Coastal Bluff Beggarticks Successfully
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soils (it hates wet feet!)
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional watering during dry spells
- Climate: USDA zones 10-12 only – this is strictly a tropical plant
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in spring or early summer when temperatures are consistently warm
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for their natural spreading habit
- Water regularly during the first few months until established
- Once mature, this plant is quite low-maintenance and drought-tolerant
- Light pruning after flowering can help maintain shape and encourage new growth
Perfect for Hawaiian Landscapes
Coastal bluff beggarticks works beautifully in several garden settings:
- Native Hawaiian gardens: An authentic choice for landscapes celebrating island flora
- Coastal landscaping: Naturally adapted to salt spray and windy conditions
- Xerophytic gardens: Perfect for water-wise landscaping
- Erosion control: Its low-growing habit helps stabilize soil on slopes
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While specific wildlife data for this species is limited, like other native Bidens species, coastal bluff beggarticks likely provides nectar for native Hawaiian insects and may attract some native birds. Every native plant you add to your landscape helps support the complex web of Hawaiian wildlife that has co-evolved with these plants over thousands of years.
The Wetland Connection
Interestingly, coastal bluff beggarticks has a Facultative Upland wetland status in Hawaii, meaning it usually grows in non-wetland areas but can occasionally pop up in wetland edges. This flexibility makes it adaptable to various garden moisture conditions, though it definitely prefers the drier side.
Should You Plant It?
If you’re gardening in Hawaii and want to support native biodiversity, coastal bluff beggarticks can be a wonderful addition to your landscape – but only if sourced responsibly. Its compact size, drought tolerance, and authentic Hawaiian heritage make it valuable for native plant gardens, coastal landscapes, and anyone wanting to reduce their garden’s water needs.
Remember, by choosing to grow this vulnerable native species, you’re becoming a conservation partner. You’re providing a safe haven for a plant that’s struggling in the wild while creating habitat for the native creatures that depend on it.
Just make sure you’re buying from nurseries that propagate their plants rather than wild-collecting them. Together, we can help ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the simple beauty of coastal bluff beggarticks both in gardens and in Hawaii’s wild places.
