Cotton’s Stickseed: A Pacific Northwest Native Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about native plants and love discovering lesser-known species, Cotton’s stickseed (Hackelia diffusa var. cottonii) might just pique your interest. This perennial forb represents one of nature’s more understated offerings from the Pacific Northwest, though don’t let its subtle nature fool you into thinking it’s not worth your garden space.
What Exactly is Cotton’s Stickseed?
Cotton’s stickseed is a native perennial herb that belongs to the broader family of plants known for their, well, sticky seeds (hence the stickseed name). As a forb, this plant lacks the woody stems you’d find on shrubs or trees, instead growing as an herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground each winter and returns fresh each spring.
The botanical name Hackelia diffusa var. cottonii tells us this is a specific variety of the more widespread Hackelia diffusa species, making it something of a botanical specialty item for native plant enthusiasts.
Where Cotton’s Stickseed Calls Home
This native beauty has a relatively limited natural range, calling just two states home: Oregon and Washington. If you’re gardening in the Pacific Northwest, you’re in luck – you’re working with a plant that’s perfectly adapted to your local conditions.
Should You Plant Cotton’s Stickseed?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit challenging). Cotton’s stickseed falls into that category of native plants that are authentic regional natives but don’t have a wealth of horticultural information readily available. This can be both exciting and frustrating for gardeners.
The Case for Planting It:
- It’s a true regional native, meaning it’s perfectly adapted to Pacific Northwest conditions
- As a perennial, it should return year after year once established
- Growing native plants supports local ecosystems and wildlife
- You’ll have something unique that most neighbors won’t recognize
The Challenges:
- Limited availability – you probably won’t find this at your average garden center
- Scarce growing information specific to this variety
- Unknown ornamental value compared to showier native alternatives
Growing Cotton’s Stickseed Successfully
Since specific growing information for this variety is limited, your best bet is to mimic its natural habitat conditions. Being native to Oregon and Washington, it likely prefers:
- Well-draining soil (most Pacific Northwest natives dislike soggy conditions)
- Partial shade to full sun exposure
- Minimal summer watering once established
- Cool, moist winters and drier summers
As with most native plants, the key is patience during establishment. Give it a full growing season to settle in, providing regular water the first year, then gradually reducing supplemental irrigation as it becomes established.
Finding and Planting Cotton’s Stickseed
This is where your detective skills come in handy. Your best sources will likely be:
- Specialized native plant nurseries in Oregon and Washington
- Native plant society sales and exchanges
- Botanical gardens with native plant programs
- Online native plant retailers (though availability may be spotty)
When you do find it, plant in spring after the last frost, or in fall at least 6-8 weeks before your first hard freeze.
The Bottom Line
Cotton’s stickseed represents the kind of native plant that appeals to gardeners who enjoy the thrill of growing something truly local and uncommon. While it won’t give you the showy blooms of a coneflower or the dramatic presence of a native grass, it offers the satisfaction of supporting authentic regional biodiversity.
If you’re just starting with native plants, you might want to begin with better-documented Pacific Northwest natives and work your way up to more obscure species like this one. But for experienced native plant gardeners looking for their next challenge, Cotton’s stickseed could be exactly the kind of botanical adventure you’re seeking.
Just remember: growing lesser-known natives often means becoming something of a plant detective, observing how your plant responds and adapting your care accordingly. Consider it part of the fun!
