Goodrich’s Blazingstar: A Rare Utah Gem Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about native plant conservation and happen to live in Utah, you might be curious about one of the state’s rarest wildflowers: Goodrich’s blazingstar (Mentzelia goodrichii). This critically endangered perennial is a true botanical treasure that deserves our attention and protection.
What Makes Goodrich’s Blazingstar Special?
Goodrich’s blazingstar is a native perennial forb, meaning it’s an herbaceous plant that comes back year after year without developing woody stems. Like other members of the Mentzelia family, this plant likely produces beautiful star-shaped yellow flowers that can add a splash of sunshine to the landscape. As a native Utah species, it has evolved specifically to thrive in the unique conditions of the American Southwest.
Where Does It Grow?
This rare wildflower is endemic to Utah, meaning you won’t find it growing naturally anywhere else in the world. Its extremely limited distribution makes it one of Utah’s most precious botanical residents.
A Word of Caution: This Plant Is Critically Rare
Important conservation note: Goodrich’s blazingstar has a Global Conservation Status of S1, which means it’s critically imperiled. With typically only 5 or fewer known occurrences and fewer than 1,000 individual plants remaining in the wild, this species is hanging on by a thread.
If you’re interested in growing this plant, it’s absolutely crucial that you only obtain seeds or plants from reputable native plant nurseries that practice responsible collection methods. Never collect from wild populations, as this could push the species closer to extinction.
Should You Grow Goodrich’s Blazingstar?
Growing this rare native can be a meaningful way to participate in conservation efforts, but it comes with serious responsibility. Here’s what to consider:
- Conservation value: Growing responsibly sourced plants helps preserve genetic diversity
- Educational opportunity: Perfect for teaching about native plant conservation
- Specialized appeal: Ideal for serious native plant enthusiasts and collectors
- Local adaptation: Perfectly suited to Utah’s climate and conditions
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing requirements for Goodrich’s blazingstar aren’t well-documented due to its rarity, we can make educated guesses based on its Utah habitat:
- Soil: Likely prefers well-drained, rocky, or sandy soils typical of Utah’s arid regions
- Water: Probably drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering
- Sun exposure: Most likely thrives in full sun conditions
- Hardiness: Should be hardy in USDA zones 4-8, matching Utah’s climate range
Garden Design Ideas
If you’re fortunate enough to grow Goodrich’s blazingstar responsibly, consider these placement options:
- Featured spot in a dedicated native Utah plant garden
- Conservation demonstration garden at schools or nature centers
- Specialized rock garden or xeriscape design
- Educational display about rare and endangered plants
Supporting Pollinators
While specific pollinator relationships aren’t well-studied for this rare species, other Mentzelia plants are known to attract native bees and other beneficial insects. By growing Goodrich’s blazingstar, you may be providing crucial habitat for Utah’s native pollinators.
The Bottom Line
Goodrich’s blazingstar represents both an incredible opportunity and a serious responsibility. If you choose to grow this critically rare native, make sure you’re doing so as part of conservation efforts, not collection for collection’s sake. Always source plants or seeds from reputable suppliers who follow ethical collection practices, and consider sharing your knowledge with others to help spread awareness about Utah’s rare flora.
Remember, every plant counts when you’re dealing with a species this rare. By growing Goodrich’s blazingstar responsibly, you become a steward of one of Utah’s most precious natural treasures.
