Howell’s Thelypody: A Rare Pacific Northwest Native Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about native plant conservation and have a green thumb for rare species, you might be intrigued by Howell’s thelypody (Thelypodium howellii howellii). This little-known Pacific Northwest native is more than just another wildflower—it’s a botanical treasure that deserves our attention and protection.
What Makes Howell’s Thelypody Special?
Howell’s thelypody is a native forb that calls the Pacific Northwest home. As a herbaceous plant without woody stems, it fits into that wonderful category of wildflowers that return year after year, living as either a biennial or perennial depending on conditions. What makes this plant truly special, however, is its rarity—it carries a Global Conservation Status of S2T2, meaning it’s considered very rare and vulnerable.
Where Does It Grow?
This native beauty has a limited range, naturally occurring in just three states: California, Oregon, and Washington. Its restricted distribution is part of what makes it so precious to conservationists and native plant enthusiasts alike.
Should You Grow Howell’s Thelypody?
Here’s where we need to have an important conversation about responsible gardening. While Howell’s thelypody is undoubtedly a fascinating native plant, its rare status means we need to approach it with extra care and consideration.
The Conservation Consideration
Given its S2T2 conservation status, this plant should only be grown using responsibly sourced material—never collected from the wild. If you’re considering adding this rare gem to your garden, here are some important guidelines:
- Only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that can verify their propagation methods
- Ensure any seeds or plants come from legitimate conservation programs
- Never collect seeds or plants from wild populations
- Consider participating in or supporting conservation efforts for this species
Garden Role and Landscape Use
Due to its rarity and specialized nature, Howell’s thelypody isn’t your typical garden center find. It’s best suited for:
- Specialized native plant gardens focused on conservation
- Botanical collections with rare Pacific Northwest species
- Educational gardens that showcase regional biodiversity
- Conservation-focused landscape projects
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing requirements for Howell’s thelypody aren’t well-documented (another sign of how rare it is!), we can make some educated assumptions based on its native habitat in the Pacific Northwest. It likely prefers:
- Well-draining soils typical of its native range
- Conditions similar to other Pacific Northwest natives
- Protection from extreme weather conditions
- Minimal disturbance once established
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
As a native forb, Howell’s thelypody likely provides some benefits to local wildlife and pollinators, though specific relationships haven’t been well-studied. Native plants typically support native insects and other wildlife in ways that non-native species simply cannot match.
The Bottom Line
Howell’s thelypody represents something special in the world of native plants—a rare species that connects us to the unique biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest. While most gardeners should probably focus on more common native alternatives, those with experience in rare plant cultivation and access to responsibly sourced material might consider this plant as part of conservation efforts.
If you’re interested in supporting Pacific Northwest native plants but want more readily available options, consider looking into other native forbs from the region that can provide similar ecological benefits without the conservation concerns.
Remember, every rare plant species we help protect today is a gift we’re giving to future generations of both gardeners and the wildlife that depends on these unique native ecosystems.
