Goodding’s Tansyaster: A Native Gem Worth Discovering
If you’re on the hunt for native plants that can add character to your southwestern garden, you might want to get acquainted with Goodding’s tansyaster (Machaeranthera pinnatifida gooddingii var. paradoxa). This perennial wildflower is one of those hidden gems in the native plant world – not as well-known as some of its flashier cousins, but definitely worth a closer look.
What Makes Goodding’s Tansyaster Special?
Goodding’s tansyaster is a true native of the American Southwest, calling Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, and Utah home. As a perennial forb (that’s garden-speak for a non-woody flowering plant), this hardy little character has adapted to some pretty challenging landscapes over thousands of years.
What sets this plant apart is its authenticity – it’s not just native to North America, but specifically to the lower 48 states. In a gardening world often dominated by non-native species, finding plants with such strong regional ties feels like discovering a piece of living history in your backyard.
A Word About Rarity
Here’s something important to know: Goodding’s tansyaster has a conservation status that’s a bit of a question mark. With a Global Conservation Status of S5T3?, this plant falls into an undefined category that suggests we should treat it with extra care. If you’re thinking about adding this beauty to your garden, make sure you source it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries or seed suppliers who can verify its origins.
Garden Potential and Growing Considerations
As a perennial forb, Goodding’s tansyaster offers the kind of staying power that gardeners love – plant it once, and it should return year after year. While specific growing information for this particular variety is limited, its native range gives us some clues about what it might need to thrive:
- It’s adapted to the diverse climates found across Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, and Utah
- As a native plant, it’s likely well-suited to local soil conditions and rainfall patterns
- Its perennial nature means it’s built for the long haul
The Reality Check
Let’s be honest – Goodding’s tansyaster is a bit of a mystery plant in the gardening world. While we know it’s native and perennial, specific details about its appearance, size, growing conditions, and care requirements aren’t readily available. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it just means you’d be pioneering relatively uncharted territory in native gardening.
Should You Plant It?
If you’re drawn to native plants and live within its natural range, Goodding’s tansyaster could be an interesting addition to your garden. However, given the limited information available and its uncertain conservation status, here are some things to consider:
- Research first: Contact local native plant societies or extension offices for more specific growing information
- Source responsibly: Only purchase from reputable dealers who can verify the plant’s origins
- Start small: Try it in a limited area first to see how it performs in your specific conditions
- Document your experience: You could be contributing valuable information about this lesser-known native
The Bottom Line
Goodding’s tansyaster represents the kind of authentic, regional character that makes native gardening so rewarding. While it may not be the easiest plant to research or find, that’s part of its charm. For adventurous gardeners in the Southwest who want to support truly local flora, this perennial forb offers a chance to grow something genuinely special – just remember to approach it with the respect its rarity status deserves.
Sometimes the most interesting garden stories come from the plants that don’t have all the answers readily available. Goodding’s tansyaster might just be one of those intriguing chapters waiting to be written in your garden.
