Greater Showy Stickseed: A Hidden Gem for Pacific Coast Native Gardens
If you’re looking for a charming native wildflower that brings delicate beauty to your garden without demanding much fuss, greater showy stickseed (Hackelia bella) might just be your new favorite discovery. This lovely perennial forb is one of those understated natives that reward patient gardeners with clusters of tiny blue flowers and an easygoing nature.
What Makes Greater Showy Stickseed Special?
Don’t let the somewhat unglamorous stickseed part of the name fool you – this plant earns its showy designation with delicate sprays of small, bright blue flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. The blooms are arranged in graceful, branching clusters that seem to float above the plant’s rough, hairy foliage. While each individual flower is tiny, the overall effect is quite charming, especially when planted in drifts or allowed to naturalize in woodland settings.
As a true native of the western United States, greater showy stickseed is naturally found in California and Oregon, where it thrives in the mountainous and foothill regions. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners in these areas who want to support local ecosystems and create authentic native plant communities.
Why Your Garden (and Local Wildlife) Will Love It
Greater showy stickseed is more than just a pretty face – it’s a valuable addition to any pollinator-friendly garden. The small blue flowers attract native bees, beneficial insects, and other pollinators who appreciate the accessible nectar and pollen. While we don’t have extensive documentation of all its wildlife benefits, most Hackelia species serve as host plants for various insects and provide seeds for small birds.
From a gardener’s perspective, this perennial forb offers several appealing qualities:
- Low maintenance once established
- Drought tolerant after the first year
- Self-seeds modestly, helping to naturalize areas
- Attracts beneficial pollinators
- Authentic native plant for Pacific Coast gardens
Where and How to Grow Greater Showy Stickseed
This native wildflower performs best in conditions that mimic its natural mountain and foothill habitat. Think well-drained soils, good air circulation, and a location that gets partial shade to full sun. It’s particularly well-suited for rock gardens, native plant gardens, and naturalized woodland edges where it can spread gradually over time.
Greater showy stickseed thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7-9, making it suitable for most of California and Oregon where it naturally occurs. The plant prefers:
- Well-draining soil (it won’t tolerate soggy conditions)
- Partial shade to full sun exposure
- Moderate water during establishment, then drought tolerance
- Good air circulation to prevent fungal issues
Planting and Care Tips
The good news about greater showy stickseed is that it’s refreshingly low-maintenance once you get it established. Plant it in spring after the last frost, giving it regular water during its first growing season to help develop a strong root system. After that, it should be quite drought tolerant and able to thrive on natural rainfall in most areas.
Since this is a somewhat uncommon native plant, you may need to seek out specialty native plant nurseries or participate in native plant society sales to find it. The plant can be grown from seed, though germination may be improved with cold stratification to mimic natural winter conditions.
Keep in mind that like many members of the borage family, the foliage can be quite rough and hairy – some people may find it irritating to the skin, so consider this when choosing its placement in your garden.
A Word About Conservation
Greater showy stickseed has a somewhat uncertain conservation status, which makes it all the more important to support it in our gardens when possible. By growing this native species, you’re helping to preserve genetic diversity and providing habitat for the specialized insects and other wildlife that depend on it.
If you’re lucky enough to find greater showy stickseed at a native plant sale or specialty nursery, you’ll be adding a truly special piece of Pacific Coast natural heritage to your garden. While it may not be the showiest plant in your collection, its quiet charm and ecological value make it a wonderful addition to any native plant garden.
