Howell’s Buckwheat: A Mysterious Native Annual Worth Investigating
If you’re a gardener who loves discovering rare and unusual native plants, Howell’s buckwheat (Johanneshowellia) might just pique your curiosity. This annual forb represents one of those fascinating botanical mysteries that make native plant gardening such an adventure.
What Is Howell’s Buckwheat?
Howell’s buckwheat is classified as a forb, which simply means it’s a soft-stemmed plant without the woody tissue you’d find in shrubs or trees. As an annual, it completes its entire life cycle in just one growing season—germinating, flowering, setting seed, and dying all within a year. This quick lifecycle can make annuals particularly valuable for filling gaps in garden design or providing seasonal interest.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This native plant calls the American West its home, specifically thriving in three states: California, Nevada, and Utah. Its natural range suggests it’s adapted to the unique climate and soil conditions of the western United States, likely preferring the drier conditions typical of this region.
The Challenge of Growing Howell’s Buckwheat
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating for curious gardeners): detailed growing information for Howell’s buckwheat is remarkably scarce. This could mean several things—it might be extremely rare, recently discovered, or perhaps known by other names in different regions.
What We Know About Growing Conditions
While specific care instructions aren’t readily available, we can make some educated guesses based on its native range:
- Likely prefers well-draining soils, typical of western landscapes
- Probably drought-tolerant once established
- May prefer full sun to partial shade
- As a western native, likely adapted to hot, dry summers and cooler winters
Should You Try Growing It?
The honest answer? It depends on your gardening style and patience level. If you’re someone who enjoys:
- Experimenting with unusual plants
- Supporting native biodiversity
- Having unique conversation starters in your garden
Then Howell’s buckwheat might be worth investigating further. However, the lack of readily available information means you’d be somewhat pioneering in your growing efforts.
Alternative Native Buckwheats
If you’re drawn to the idea of native buckwheat species but want something with more established growing information, consider looking into other native Eriogonum species from your region. These related plants offer similar benefits with more reliable cultivation guidance.
The Bottom Line
Howell’s buckwheat represents one of those intriguing native plants that reminds us how much we still have to learn about our local flora. While it may not be the easiest choice for beginning native plant gardeners, it could be a rewarding challenge for those with experience and a sense of botanical adventure.
If you do decide to seek out this mysterious annual, make sure to source it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries, and consider connecting with local native plant societies or botanical experts who might have more specific growing experience with this uncommon species.
