Davis’ Stickseed: A Rare Idaho Native Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about native plants and conservation, you may have heard whispers about Davis’ stickseed (Hackelia davisii). This little-known perennial is one of Idaho’s botanical treasures, but before you start searching for seeds online, there’s something important you need to know about this elusive native.
What Makes Davis’ Stickseed Special?
Davis’ stickseed is a perennial forb, which simply means it’s a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. As a member of the borage family (Boraginaceae), it’s related to more familiar plants like forget-me-nots and comfrey. But unlike its common cousins, this particular species has chosen to make its home exclusively in Idaho.
The plant’s growth habit is typical of forbs – it lacks the woody stems of shrubs and trees, instead producing herbaceous growth that dies back to ground level during winter, with buds that overwinter at or below the soil surface.
A True Idaho Endemic
Here’s where things get really interesting (and a bit concerning): Davis’ stickseed is found only in Idaho. This makes it what botanists call an endemic species – a plant that exists nowhere else on Earth. Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket!
The Rarity Factor: Why You Should Think Twice
Before you get too excited about adding this unique native to your garden, here’s the sobering reality: Davis’ stickseed has a Global Conservation Status of S3, meaning it’s considered Vulnerable. This classification indicates that the species is either very rare throughout its range or found only in restricted areas, making it vulnerable to disappearing entirely.
With typically only 21 to 100 known occurrences and an estimated population between 3,000 and 10,000 individuals total, every single plant matters for this species’ survival.
Should You Grow Davis’ Stickseed?
This is where responsible gardening comes into play. While it’s natural to want to grow rare and unique plants, we need to consider the bigger picture:
- Conservation concerns: Removing plants or seeds from wild populations could harm already vulnerable populations
- Unknown cultivation requirements: Since this plant is so rare, there’s limited information about how to successfully grow it in garden settings
- Specialized habitat needs: Endemic plants often have very specific growing requirements that are difficult to replicate
If you’re determined to grow this species, only do so with plants or seeds from verified, responsibly sourced material – never from wild collection. Work with reputable native plant societies or botanical institutions that may have propagation programs.
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, detailed growing information for Davis’ stickseed is limited due to its rarity and lack of cultivation history. What we do know is that it’s adapted to Idaho’s climate and growing conditions, which suggests it’s likely quite cold-hardy. However, without more specific data about soil preferences, water needs, or light requirements, successful cultivation remains somewhat of a mystery.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of potentially contributing to the decline of this vulnerable species, consider these more common members of the borage family that can provide similar ecological benefits:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): A native pollinator magnet
- Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea): Another native forb that supports wildlife
- Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis): A beautiful native alternative where appropriate
The Bigger Picture
Davis’ stickseed serves as a reminder of how much botanical diversity exists in our landscapes and how fragile some of these relationships can be. While it might not be the right choice for your garden, learning about plants like this helps us appreciate the incredible variety of native species that call our continent home.
If you’re interested in supporting the conservation of rare plants like Davis’ stickseed, consider donating to botanical gardens, native plant societies, or conservation organizations working to protect Idaho’s unique ecosystems. Sometimes the best way to help a rare plant is to protect its wild habitat rather than trying to grow it ourselves.
Final Thoughts
Davis’ stickseed might not be destined for your backyard border, but it’s a fascinating example of how evolution creates plants perfectly adapted to very specific places. By understanding and respecting the rarity of species like this one, we become better stewards of the botanical world around us. And who knows? Maybe your interest in this little Idaho endemic will spark a deeper appreciation for the native plants that are more readily available for garden cultivation.
