Hoover’s Umbrellawort: A Rare Pacific Northwest Native Worth Protecting
If you’re a native plant enthusiast with a passion for conservation, you might be intrigued by Hoover’s umbrellawort (Tauschia hooveri). This little-known native perennial represents one of the Pacific Northwest’s botanical treasures – though it’s so rare that most gardeners will never encounter it in the wild, let alone in cultivation.
What Makes This Plant Special
Hoover’s umbrellawort is a perennial forb native to the lower 48 states, specifically found only in Washington. As a member of the carrot family, it shares characteristics with other umbellifers, though its exact appearance and growth habits remain poorly documented due to its extreme rarity.
Unlike woody shrubs or trees, this plant is classified as a forb – meaning it’s a vascular plant without significant woody tissue above ground. Its perennating buds are located at or below the ground surface, allowing it to return year after year in suitable conditions.
Geographic Distribution and Rarity
Tauschia hooveri is found exclusively in Washington state, making it a true regional endemic. However, this plant carries a serious conservation concern that every gardener should understand.
Important Conservation Alert: Hoover’s umbrellawort has a Global Conservation Status of S2, meaning it’s imperiled due to extreme rarity. With typically only 6 to 20 occurrences and few remaining individuals (estimated at 1,000 to 3,000 plants), this species is especially vulnerable to extinction.
Should You Grow Hoover’s Umbrellawort?
Here’s where things get complicated. While supporting rare native plants is admirable, the reality is that Tauschia hooveri is so uncommon that it’s rarely available in the horticultural trade – and that’s probably for the best.
The Conservation Dilemma
If you’re lucky enough to find this plant available from a reputable native plant nursery, proceed with extreme caution. Only consider purchasing if:
- The source can guarantee the plant was propagated from legally and ethically collected seed
- No wild populations were disturbed in the collection process
- You’re committed to contributing to conservation efforts
Never collect this plant from the wild. With so few individuals remaining, removing even one plant could impact the species’ survival.
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, due to its rarity, specific growing requirements for Tauschia hooveri aren’t well documented. As a Washington native, it likely prefers conditions similar to other Pacific Northwest natives, but without more research, providing specific care instructions would be speculation.
If you’re interested in supporting rare plant conservation, consider these alternatives:
- Volunteer with local native plant societies
- Support habitat restoration projects
- Grow other Washington natives that are more readily available
- Donate to botanical gardens working on rare plant conservation
The Bigger Picture
While you probably won’t be adding Hoover’s umbrellawort to your garden anytime soon, its story highlights an important aspect of native gardening: not every native plant is meant for cultivation. Some species serve their greatest purpose by remaining wild and protected in their natural habitats.
Instead of seeking out this rare gem, consider exploring the many other beautiful Washington natives that are better suited for garden life. Your local native plant society can point you toward regionally appropriate alternatives that will provide similar ecological benefits without conservation concerns.
Sometimes the best way to appreciate a rare plant is simply knowing it exists and supporting efforts to keep it thriving in the wild where it belongs.
