Ertter’s Ragwort: A Rare Oregon Treasure Worth Protecting
Meet Ertter’s ragwort (Senecio ertterae), one of Oregon’s most endangered botanical gems. This little-known annual wildflower might not be destined for your typical garden center, but its story is one that every native plant enthusiast should know.
What Makes Ertter’s Ragwort Special?
Ertter’s ragwort belongs to the vast Senecio family, known commonly as ragworts or groundsels. As a forb – essentially a non-woody flowering plant – it completes its entire life cycle in just one growing season. What sets this particular species apart isn’t just its botanical characteristics, but its incredible rarity.
A Plant on the Edge
Here’s where things get serious: Ertter’s ragwort carries a Global Conservation Status of S2, meaning it’s considered Imperiled. In plain English? This plant is hanging on by a thread, with only 6 to 20 known occurrences and an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 individual plants remaining in the wild.
This native species calls Oregon home, and as far as we know, that’s the only place you’ll find it naturally occurring in the lower 48 states.
Should You Grow Ertter’s Ragwort?
This is where we need to pump the brakes a bit. While the idea of growing rare native plants can be appealing, Ertter’s ragwort presents some serious considerations:
- Rarity concerns: With so few plants left in the wild, casual cultivation could potentially impact wild populations
- Sourcing challenges: Finding responsibly sourced seeds or plants would be extremely difficult
- Unknown growing requirements: Limited information exists about its specific cultivation needs
- Conservation priority: Efforts should focus on protecting existing wild populations
If You’re Determined to Help
If you’re passionate about supporting this rare species, consider these alternatives to home cultivation:
- Support Oregon native plant societies and conservation organizations
- Participate in habitat restoration projects
- Choose other native Oregon annuals for your garden
- Advocate for habitat protection in areas where Ertter’s ragwort occurs
Should you ever encounter responsibly sourced material (think legitimate conservation programs or botanical institutions), remember that as an annual, this plant would need to reseed itself each year to maintain a population.
The Bigger Picture
Ertter’s ragwort serves as a reminder that our native flora includes species hanging by a thread. While we can’t provide specific growing tips for this elusive plant, we can honor its existence by protecting the habitats where it survives and supporting conservation efforts.
Sometimes the best way to love a plant is to leave it be – and ensure future generations might have the chance to marvel at Oregon’s rare botanical treasures in their natural homes.
