Howard’s Alpine Forget-Me-Not: A Rare Mountain Gem for Specialized Gardens
If you’re looking for a gardening challenge that will test your green thumb and reward you with one of nature’s most delicate mountain treasures, meet Howard’s alpine forget-me-not (Eritrichium howardii). This tiny perennial is not your average garden center find – it’s a specialized alpine plant that calls the high peaks of Montana and Wyoming home.
What Makes This Plant Special
Howard’s alpine forget-me-not is a true native of the American West, growing naturally only in Montana and Wyoming’s alpine regions. As a perennial forb (a non-woody flowering plant), it represents one of the most specialized members of the forget-me-not family, adapted to survive in some of the harshest growing conditions on the continent.
This plant grows exclusively in the high-elevation zones of Montana and Wyoming, where it has adapted to extreme weather conditions, intense UV radiation, and a very short growing season.
Garden Appeal and Aesthetic Value
Don’t expect a showstopper that will dominate your flower bed – Howard’s alpine forget-me-not is all about subtle beauty. This low-growing cushion plant produces tiny, delicate blue flowers that are classic forget-me-not in appearance but perfectly scaled for alpine conditions. The plant forms tight mats or cushions, rarely growing more than a few inches tall, with small, often fuzzy leaves that help it survive mountain winds.
Where It Fits in Your Garden
This isn’t a plant for every garden – or even most gardens! Howard’s alpine forget-me-not is specifically suited for:
- Specialized alpine or rock gardens
- High-elevation mountain properties
- Collectors’ gardens focused on rare native plants
- Educational or botanical demonstration gardens
If you’re designing a traditional perennial border or cottage garden, this probably isn’t your plant. But if you’re creating an authentic alpine garden or live in a mountainous area with naturally suitable conditions, it could be a perfect fit.
Growing Conditions and Care
Here’s where things get challenging – and why this plant isn’t commonly cultivated. Howard’s alpine forget-me-not requires very specific conditions that are difficult to replicate outside its natural habitat:
- Drainage: Absolutely essential – standing water will kill this plant quickly
- Soil: Rocky, gravelly, mineral-rich soil with excellent drainage
- Sun: Full sun, but with cool temperatures
- Climate: Cool summers, cold winters (USDA zones 3-5)
- Elevation: Thrives in high-altitude conditions with intense UV exposure
Planting and Care Tips
If you’re determined to try growing Howard’s alpine forget-me-not, here are some tips for success:
- Plant in a rock garden with excellent drainage – consider raised beds with gravelly soil mix
- Provide protection from hot afternoon sun in lower elevations
- Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues
- Mulch with small stones rather than organic material
- Water sparingly and only when soil is completely dry
- Be patient – alpine plants grow slowly
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
In its natural habitat, Howard’s alpine forget-me-not provides nectar for specialized alpine pollinators, including small butterflies and native bees that have adapted to high-elevation conditions. While the flowers are tiny, they’re an important resource in environments where flowering plants are scarce.
The Reality Check
Let’s be honest – this is an extremely challenging plant to grow successfully outside its natural range. Most gardeners will find it nearly impossible to provide the specific combination of drainage, cool temperatures, and alpine conditions it requires. The plant’s limited natural distribution in Montana and Wyoming suggests it has very narrow habitat requirements.
If you’re not located in suitable mountain terrain or don’t have experience with alpine plants, you might want to consider other native forget-me-not species or alpine plants that are more adaptable to cultivation.
Should You Plant It?
Howard’s alpine forget-me-not is best left to specialist growers, botanical gardens, and gardeners who live in naturally suitable mountain environments. If you do decide to try it, make sure to source plants or seeds responsibly from reputable native plant suppliers who obtain their material legally and sustainably.
For most gardeners interested in native plants, there are many other beautiful and more manageable native species that will provide similar ecological benefits without the extreme growing challenges. But if you’re up for the challenge and have the right conditions, this rare mountain gem could be a unique addition to a specialized alpine garden.
