Hairy False Goldenaster: A Rare New Mexico Native Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about native plants and happen to garden in New Mexico, you might have heard whispers about hairy false goldenaster (Heterotheca villosa var. sierrablancensis). This intriguing perennial forb represents one of those botanical gems that makes native plant enthusiasts do a double-take – partly because it’s genuinely interesting, and partly because finding solid growing information about it feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.
What Exactly Is Hairy False Goldenaster?
Hairy false goldenaster is a perennial forb, which in plain English means it’s a non-woody herbaceous plant that comes back year after year. Unlike shrubs or trees, this plant doesn’t develop thick, woody stems but instead grows from buds at or below ground level each growing season. It’s part of the Heterotheca genus, a group of plants commonly known as goldenasters for their cheerful, daisy-like blooms.
Where Does It Call Home?
This particular variety is native to the lower 48 states, with its known distribution limited to New Mexico. The sierrablancensis part of its scientific name gives us a clue about its origins – it’s likely connected to the Sierra Blanca region of New Mexico, suggesting this plant has evolved to thrive in that specific area’s unique conditions.
The Challenge (and Appeal) of Growing This Native
Here’s where things get both frustrating and fascinating for gardeners. While hairy false goldenaster is undoubtedly a legitimate native species that deserves recognition, specific cultivation information for this variety is surprisingly scarce. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it just means you’d be entering relatively uncharted territory if you decided to grow it.
What we do know is that as a New Mexico native, it’s likely adapted to:
- Arid to semi-arid conditions
- Well-draining soils
- Intense sunlight and temperature fluctuations
- Lower water availability than many garden plants
Should You Plant It?
If you’re gardening in New Mexico and have access to responsibly sourced seeds or plants, hairy false goldenaster could be an excellent addition to a native plant garden or natural landscape. Its perennial nature means it should establish well once adapted to your site, and as a native forb, it likely provides some ecological benefits to local wildlife.
However, the lack of detailed growing information means you’d need to be comfortable with some trial and error. Think of it as an adventure in native gardening rather than a guaranteed success.
Better-Known Alternatives
If you’re drawn to the idea of goldenasters but want something with more established growing guidelines, consider looking into other Heterotheca species or related native wildflowers from your region. Many western states have their own native goldenasters and aster-family plants with similar ecological roles and aesthetic appeal.
The Bottom Line
Hairy false goldenaster represents the kind of plant that reminds us how much we still don’t know about our native flora. While it may not be the easiest plant to grow or find, its status as a New Mexico native makes it worth preserving and, where appropriate, cultivating. If you do decide to give it a try, you’ll be contributing to our collective knowledge about this understudied native species – and that’s pretty exciting for any plant lover.
Just remember: when working with lesser-known natives, always source your plants responsibly and be prepared for some gardening detective work along the way.
