Drumheads: A Charming Native Annual Worth Getting to Know
If you’re on the hunt for lesser-known native plants to add some authentic charm to your garden, let me introduce you to drumheads (Polygala cruciata var. aquilonia). This delightful little annual might not be the flashiest flower in the native plant world, but it’s got that understated appeal that makes plant enthusiasts do a double-take.
What Exactly Are Drumheads?
Drumheads belong to the milkwort family and are classified as forbs – essentially, they’re non-woody flowering plants that complete their entire life cycle in a single growing season. Think of them as the reliable annuals of the native plant community, popping up, doing their thing, setting seed, and gracefully bowing out before winter arrives.
Where You’ll Find These Native Gems
This northern variety of drumheads has quite an impressive native range, calling home to a substantial chunk of North America. You’ll find them naturally occurring from Canada’s Ontario province down through much of the eastern and midwestern United States, including:
- Northeastern states: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
- Mid-Atlantic region: Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, and West Virginia
- Southeastern states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama
- Midwest: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa
Why Consider Drumheads for Your Garden?
Here’s where drumheads really shine – they’re authentically native to such a wide range, which means they’ve evolved alongside local ecosystems for thousands of years. As an annual, they won’t take over your garden or require long-term commitments, making them perfect for gardeners who like to experiment with their plantings each year.
Since they’re forbs, drumheads add textural diversity to native plant gardens without the woody bulk of shrubs or trees. They’re excellent gap-fillers and can provide seasonal interest in naturalized areas, meadow gardens, or native plant borders.
The Reality Check: Growing Information
Now, here’s where I have to be honest with you – drumheads are one of those native plants that hasn’t made it into mainstream cultivation, which means specific growing information for this particular variety is pretty scarce. What we do know is that as a native annual forb, it likely prefers conditions similar to its natural habitat.
If you’re determined to try growing drumheads (and I admire your adventurous spirit!), your best bet is to:
- Look for seeds from native plant societies or specialized native seed suppliers
- Try growing them in conditions that mimic their natural habitat
- Start with a small experimental patch rather than banking your entire garden design on them
- Connect with local native plant groups who might have experience with regional varieties
The Bottom Line
Drumheads represent the fascinating world of lesser-known native plants – species that are absolutely legitimate members of our native flora but haven’t yet found their way into garden centers or landscaping guides. While they might not be the easiest native annual to source or grow, they offer the satisfaction of gardening with truly authentic regional plants.
If you can’t locate drumheads or want more reliable native annual options, consider exploring other native forbs in your region that are better documented and more readily available. Your local native plant society or extension office can point you toward native annuals that will give you that authentic regional character with a bit more growing guidance.
Sometimes the most rewarding native gardening adventures come from exploring these botanical road-less-traveled plants – just be prepared for a bit of detective work along the way!
