Intermountain Bedstraw: A Pacific Northwest Native Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about native gardening in the Pacific Northwest, you might want to get acquainted with Intermountain bedstraw (Galium serpenticum scabridum). This unassuming perennial herb belongs to the bedstraw family and represents one of those quiet natives that often flies under the radar but deserves a closer look from dedicated native plant enthusiasts.
What Makes Intermountain Bedstraw Special?
Intermountain bedstraw is a true Pacific Northwest native, naturally occurring in Oregon and Washington. As a perennial forb, it’s built to last in your garden, returning year after year without the need for replanting. Unlike woody shrubs or trees, this herbaceous plant lacks significant woody tissue and keeps its growing points at or near ground level – a clever survival strategy that helps it weather harsh winters.
This native gem grows naturally in Oregon and Washington, making it perfectly adapted to the unique climate and growing conditions of the Pacific Northwest region.
The Challenge (And Opportunity) of Growing Intermountain Bedstraw
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. Intermountain bedstraw is one of those native plants that hasn’t made the jump into mainstream horticulture yet. You won’t find detailed growing guides or cultivation tips readily available, which means growing it successfully requires a bit of detective work and experimentation.
What We Know (And What We Don’t)
While specific cultivation information for Intermountain bedstraw is limited, we can make some educated guesses based on its native habitat and family characteristics:
- As a Pacific Northwest native, it’s likely adapted to the region’s wet winters and drier summers
- Being a member of the bedstraw family, it may have small, delicate flowers and a spreading growth habit
- Its perennial nature suggests it’s worth the investment for long-term garden value
Should You Plant Intermountain Bedstraw?
The honest answer is: it depends on your gardening goals and tolerance for uncertainty. If you’re the type of gardener who loves supporting true native biodiversity and doesn’t mind experimenting with lesser-known species, Intermountain bedstraw could be a fascinating addition to your native plant collection.
However, if you’re looking for a sure-fire native plant with well-documented growing requirements and predictable garden performance, you might want to start with better-known Pacific Northwest natives and perhaps try Intermountain bedstraw as a future adventure.
Making It Work in Your Garden
If you decide to take on the challenge of growing Intermountain bedstraw, here are some general strategies that might help:
- Try to mimic its natural habitat conditions as closely as possible
- Start small with one or two plants to learn their preferences
- Connect with local native plant societies or botanical gardens for guidance
- Keep detailed notes about what works and what doesn’t
- Be patient – native plants often take time to establish
The Bigger Picture
Growing lesser-known natives like Intermountain bedstraw isn’t just about adding another plant to your garden – it’s about preserving regional biodiversity and supporting the complete web of native plant communities. Even if this particular species proves challenging to cultivate, your efforts contribute to the broader understanding of Pacific Northwest native plants.
Whether you choose to take on the adventure of growing Intermountain bedstraw or stick with better-known natives, the important thing is that you’re thinking about native plants and their role in creating sustainable, regionally appropriate gardens. Every native plant we grow, whether common or rare, is a step toward supporting local ecosystems and preserving our natural heritage.
