Horrid Herrickia: A Rare Southwestern Native Worth Protecting
Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing truly horrid about horrid herrickia (Eurybia horrida)! This intriguingly named native wildflower is actually a hidden gem of the American Southwest, though you’d be quite lucky to encounter one in the wild. With its rarity making it more precious than common garden varieties, this perennial forb represents both an opportunity and a responsibility for native plant enthusiasts.
What Makes Horrid Herrickia Special?
Horrid herrickia belongs to the aster family and produces the characteristic daisy-like flowers that make this plant group so beloved by pollinators. As a native perennial forb, it lacks woody stems but returns year after year from its root system, making it a reliable presence in the landscape once established.
You might also encounter this plant listed under its former scientific names, including Aster horridus or Herrickia horrida, as botanical classifications have evolved over time.
Where Does It Call Home?
This southwestern native has a remarkably limited range, found naturally only in Colorado and New Mexico. Its restricted distribution makes it a true regional specialty – a plant that embodies the unique character of the high desert and mountain regions of the Southwest.
A Word About Rarity
Important Conservation Note: Horrid herrickia carries a global conservation status of S2?, indicating it’s considered rare and potentially vulnerable. This means if you’re interested in growing this native beauty, you should only obtain it from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their stock responsibly – never collect from wild populations.
Garden Appeal and Design Role
While detailed descriptions of horrid herrickia’s appearance are limited due to its rarity, it likely shares the attractive characteristics of its Eurybia relatives: delicate aster-like blooms that create clouds of small flowers in late summer or fall. These modest but charming flowers would make excellent additions to:
- Native plant gardens focused on southwestern species
- Rock gardens and xerophytic landscapes
- Conservation-minded pollinator gardens
- Educational demonstration gardens showcasing rare natives
Growing Conditions and Care
Based on its native habitat in Colorado and New Mexico, horrid herrickia likely thrives in conditions similar to other southwestern natives:
- Sunlight: Full sun exposure
- Soil: Well-draining soils, possibly alkaline
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Hardiness: Estimated zones 4-7, tolerating both cold winters and hot summers
Like many native forbs, it probably prefers minimal fertilization and may actually perform better in leaner soils that mimic its natural growing conditions.
Benefits for Wildlife and Pollinators
As a member of the aster family, horrid herrickia likely provides valuable late-season nectar for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when many other flowers have finished blooming. Native asters are particularly important for supporting specialist bees and provide crucial resources during fall migration periods for butterflies.
Should You Grow Horrid Herrickia?
If you can source horrid herrickia from a reputable native plant supplier, it could be a meaningful addition to a conservation-focused garden. However, given its rarity, consider these alternatives that are more readily available and fill similar ecological niches:
- Other Eurybia species native to your specific region
- Local aster varieties (Symphyotrichum species)
- Regional native wildflowers that support similar pollinators
The choice to grow rare natives like horrid herrickia comes with the privilege and responsibility of being a plant conservationist. If you do choose to cultivate this species, consider sharing seeds or divisions with other conservation-minded gardeners to help preserve this unique piece of our natural heritage.
The Bottom Line
Horrid herrickia represents the fascinating diversity of our native flora and the importance of protecting rare species. While it may not be the easiest native to find or grow, its rarity makes it all the more special for those dedicated to preserving regional plant diversity. Whether you choose to seek out this elusive beauty or opt for more common native alternatives, you’ll be supporting the complex web of life that makes our southwestern ecosystems so remarkable.
