Hairy Pagoda-Plant: A Rare Native Gem Worth Knowing
If you’re a native plant enthusiast always on the hunt for something truly special, you might want to learn about the hairy pagoda-plant (Blephilia hirsuta var. glabrata). This perennial native is one of those plants that flies under the radar – and for good reason, as it appears to be quite rare in cultivation and the wild.
What Makes This Plant Special?
The hairy pagoda-plant belongs to the mint family and is a native perennial that calls the lower 48 states home. However, this particular variety (var. glabrata) seems to have a very limited range, with documented populations primarily in Vermont. The variety name glabrata suggests this plant may have smoother or less hairy characteristics compared to other forms of Blephilia hirsuta.
Where You’ll Find It Growing Wild
This native beauty has been documented growing in Vermont, though its exact distribution may be broader than currently recorded. As with many native plants, there’s still much to learn about its full range and habitat preferences.
The Challenge: Limited Information
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating for plant lovers): there’s remarkably little detailed information available about this specific variety. This could mean a few things:
- It’s genuinely rare in the wild
- It’s been overlooked by botanists and gardeners
- It may be very similar to other varieties, making it less distinctive
- It could be challenging to grow or propagate
Should You Try Growing It?
The short answer is: it’s complicated. While this native perennial would theoretically make a wonderful addition to a native plant garden, the lack of readily available information about its growing requirements, appearance, and propagation methods makes it a challenging choice for most gardeners.
If you’re determined to grow native Blephilia species, you might have better luck starting with more common varieties that have established cultivation information and available sources.
What We Don’t Know (Yet)
Unfortunately, many details that would help you successfully grow this plant remain mysterious:
- Specific growing conditions and soil preferences
- Mature size and growth habit
- Pollinator and wildlife benefits
- Propagation methods
- Seasonal care requirements
- USDA hardiness zones
The Bottom Line
The hairy pagoda-plant (var. glabrata) represents one of those intriguing native plants that reminds us how much we still have to learn about our local flora. While it’s not ready for prime-time gardening due to limited cultivation information, it’s worth keeping on your radar if you’re passionate about rare natives.
If you’re interested in supporting native plant diversity, consider reaching out to botanical organizations or native plant societies in Vermont – they might have more insights about this elusive variety. And who knows? You might be one of the first gardeners to help bring this native beauty into cultivation.
In the meantime, there are plenty of other native mints and related species that can bring similar ecological benefits to your garden while we wait to learn more about this particular treasure.
