Godfrey’s Thoroughwort: A Lesser-Known Native Wildflower Worth Discovering
If you’re on the hunt for truly unique native plants to add character to your garden, you might want to get acquainted with Godfrey’s thoroughwort (Eupatorium godfreyanum). This intriguing perennial is one of those hidden gems of the native plant world—so hidden, in fact, that you’d be forgiven for never having heard of it!
What Exactly is Godfrey’s Thoroughwort?
Godfrey’s thoroughwort is a native perennial forb, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody herbaceous plant that comes back year after year. As part of the Eupatorium genus, it’s related to other well-known thoroughworts and bonesets that gardeners love for their late-season blooms and pollinator appeal.
This plant is what we call a forb—essentially a flowering plant that doesn’t develop significant woody tissue above ground. Think of it as nature’s version of your favorite garden perennial, but with that special I belong here authenticity that only native plants can provide.
Where Does It Call Home?
Godfrey’s thoroughwort is a true Eastern United States native, naturally occurring across a range of states including the District of Columbia, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. This distribution suggests it’s adapted to the varied climates and conditions found throughout the Eastern seaboard and Appalachian regions.
The Mystery Plant Dilemma
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit mysterious): Godfrey’s thoroughwort appears to be quite rare in both the wild and in cultivation. Information about this species is surprisingly scarce, which could mean a few things:
- It might be naturally rare or have a very specific habitat requirement
- It could be easily confused with other thoroughwort species
- It may have a limited growing season that makes it easy to overlook
Should You Grow Godfrey’s Thoroughwort?
The short answer is: maybe, but with important caveats. As a native plant, Godfrey’s thoroughwort theoretically offers the ecological benefits we love about indigenous species—supporting local wildlife, requiring less water and fertilizer once established, and contributing to regional biodiversity.
However, the apparent rarity of this species means you should be extra careful about sourcing. If you do decide you want to try growing it, make sure you’re obtaining plants or seeds from reputable native plant nurseries that can guarantee their stock is responsibly propagated, not wild-collected.
Growing Tips (Based on Thoroughwort Family Traits)
While specific growing information for Godfrey’s thoroughwort is limited, we can make some educated guesses based on its relatives in the Eupatorium genus:
- Sunlight: Most thoroughworts prefer full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Likely adaptable to various soil types, possibly preferring moist conditions
- Water: Probably moderate moisture requirements
- Maintenance: As a native perennial, should be relatively low-maintenance once established
The Pollinator Connection
While we don’t have specific data on Godfrey’s thoroughwort’s pollinator relationships, its cousins in the Eupatorium family are renowned butterfly magnets. If it follows family tradition, it likely produces clusters of small flowers that provide nectar for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects during its blooming period.
Alternatives to Consider
Given the scarcity of information and availability of Godfrey’s thoroughwort, you might want to consider some of its better-known native relatives that offer similar ecological benefits:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
- New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
- Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium species)
- Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
The Bottom Line
Godfrey’s thoroughwort represents one of those fascinating native plants that reminds us how much we still have to learn about our local flora. While its rarity makes it an intriguing addition for the serious native plant enthusiast, most gardeners will find greater success (and availability) with its more common relatives.
If you do manage to source this mysterious thoroughwort, consider yourself part of a conservation effort. Document your growing experience, share photos with local native plant societies, and help contribute to our understanding of this lesser-known native gem. After all, every garden can be a small research station for preserving our botanical heritage!
