Emery County Bedstraw: A Rare Utah Native Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about native Utah plants, you might be curious about some of the state’s lesser-known treasures. Enter Emery County bedstraw (Galium emeryense protoscabriusculum), a native perennial that represents the incredible plant diversity found in Utah’s unique landscapes.
What Is Emery County Bedstraw?
Emery County bedstraw is a native perennial forb, which simply means it’s an herbaceous plant that comes back year after year without developing woody stems. As part of the Galium genus, it belongs to the bedstraw family, known for their distinctive whorled leaves and often sprawling growth habits.
This particular species carries the botanical name Galium emeryense protoscabriusculum, and you might occasionally see it listed under its synonym Galium scabriusculum ssp. protoscabriusculum in older references.
Where Does It Grow?
True to its common name, Emery County bedstraw is endemic to Utah, making it a genuine local specialty. This native status means it has evolved alongside Utah’s other native plants and wildlife over thousands of years, potentially making it well-adapted to local growing conditions.
Should You Grow Emery County Bedstraw?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. While this native plant has obvious appeal for Utah gardeners interested in supporting local ecology, detailed cultivation information is surprisingly scarce. This rarity of information suggests that Emery County bedstraw isn’t commonly cultivated, which could mean a few things:
- It may have specific growing requirements that haven’t been well-documented
- It might be naturally uncommon or have a restricted range
- Seeds or plants may not be readily available through typical nursery channels
The Native Plant Advantage
Despite the limited cultivation information, there are compelling reasons to be interested in this plant:
- Local adaptation: As a Utah native, it’s naturally suited to local climate patterns
- Ecological value: Native plants typically support local wildlife better than non-natives
- Water efficiency: Native plants often require less supplemental watering once established
- Unique garden feature: Growing rare natives adds special character to your landscape
Growing Considerations
If you’re determined to try growing Emery County bedstraw, you’ll need to do some detective work. Since specific cultivation information isn’t readily available, consider these general approaches for native Utah forbs:
- Contact local native plant societies or botanical gardens for advice
- Look for seeds or plants through specialized native plant nurseries
- Ensure any plant material is ethically and legally sourced
- Study the plant’s natural habitat to mimic those conditions in your garden
Alternative Native Bedstraws
If Emery County bedstraw proves difficult to source or grow, consider other native Galium species that might be more readily available and better documented for cultivation. These alternatives can provide similar ecological benefits while being more garden-friendly.
The Bottom Line
Emery County bedstraw represents the fascinating diversity of Utah’s native flora, but it’s definitely a plant for the adventurous gardener. If you’re passionate about rare natives and enjoy the challenge of growing something truly special, this could be an exciting addition to your collection. However, if you’re looking for reliable, well-documented native plants to start with, you might want to begin with more commonly cultivated Utah natives and work your way up to the rarities.
Remember, part of being a responsible native plant gardener is ensuring that any rare plants you grow come from ethical sources and that your gardening practices support conservation rather than exploitation of wild populations.
