Heller’s Draba: A Rocky Mountain Native Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about native plants from the American Southwest, you might be curious about Heller’s draba (Draba helleriana var. helleriana). This unassuming little forb represents the kind of specialized native plant that makes Rocky Mountain gardening so fascinating – and sometimes challenging.
What Exactly Is Heller’s Draba?
Heller’s draba is a herbaceous perennial or biennial plant that belongs to the mustard family. As a forb, it’s essentially an herbaceous flowering plant that lacks significant woody growth – think of it as the botanical equivalent of a wildflower rather than a shrub or tree. The plant produces its perennating buds right at or below ground level, helping it survive harsh mountain winters.
Where Does It Call Home?
This native beauty has a pretty exclusive address – you’ll find it naturally occurring in just Colorado and New Mexico. It’s perfectly adapted to life in the lower 48 states, having evolved alongside the unique conditions of the southwestern mountains and high plains.
Should You Grow Heller’s Draba?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit tricky). While Heller’s draba is undoubtedly a legitimate native plant with ecological value, it’s not exactly what you’d call a mainstream garden plant. In fact, finding specific growing information or seeds for this particular variety can be quite challenging.
If you’re determined to include native Draba species in your garden, you might want to consider:
- Checking with native plant societies in Colorado and New Mexico
- Contacting local botanical gardens or university extension programs
- Looking into other Draba species that might be more readily available
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific care information for Heller’s draba is limited, we can make some educated guesses based on its native habitat and family characteristics. Plants in the Draba genus typically prefer:
- Well-draining, rocky or sandy soils
- Full sun to partial shade
- Cool, dry conditions
- Minimal summer water once established
Given its native range in Colorado and New Mexico, it’s likely adapted to high-altitude conditions, intense UV exposure, and dramatic temperature swings.
The Reality Check
Let’s be honest – Heller’s draba probably isn’t going to be the showstopper in your native plant garden. It’s more of a specialist’s plant, the kind that serious native plant enthusiasts get excited about but that most gardeners will never encounter.
If you’re looking for native plants from the Colorado/New Mexico region that are easier to source and grow, consider exploring other regional natives like:
- Penstemon species
- Native asters
- Blanket flowers (Gaillardia)
- Four o’clocks (Mirabilis)
The Bottom Line
Heller’s draba represents the fascinating diversity of native plants in our southwestern mountains, even if it’s not destined for every garden center. If you’re lucky enough to encounter it in the wild or find seeds through specialty sources, treat it as the botanical treasure it is – a perfectly adapted piece of Rocky Mountain heritage that deserves our respect and protection.
For most gardeners, though, appreciating Heller’s draba might be best done through supporting native plant conservation efforts and choosing other native species that are more readily available and better documented for cultivation.
