Jordal’s False Candytuft: An Arctic Rarity for the Most Adventurous Gardeners
Meet one of the garden world’s best-kept secrets: Jordal’s false candytuft (Smelowskia borealis var. jordalii). If you’ve never heard of this plant, you’re definitely not alone! This perennial gem is so specialized and rare that it’s practically the unicorn of the native plant world.
What Exactly Is Jordal’s False Candytuft?
Jordal’s false candytuft is a perennial forb, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody herbaceous plant that comes back year after year. As part of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), it’s related to more familiar plants like cabbage and radishes, though you probably won’t be adding this one to your salad anytime soon!
This plant is also known by its scientific synonym Smelowskia borealis ssp. jordalii, but let’s stick with the friendlier common name, shall we?
Where Does It Call Home?
This arctic specialist is native to some of the most remote and challenging environments in North America. You’ll find Jordal’s false candytuft in Alaska and Canada’s Yukon Territory, where it has adapted to survive in conditions that would make most garden plants wave a white flag in surrender.
Should You Grow Jordal’s False Candytuft?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit challenging). While this native plant has undeniable appeal for the most dedicated collectors of rare natives, it presents some significant hurdles for the average gardener:
The Reality Check
Let’s be honest about the challenges you’ll face with this plant:
- Extreme rarity: Finding seeds or plants may be nearly impossible through normal channels
- Specialized growing conditions: This plant evolved for arctic and subarctic conditions that are difficult to replicate in most gardens
- Limited cultivation information: There’s virtually no established guidance on successfully growing this variety in garden settings
- Climate requirements: Unless you’re gardening in Alaska or northern Canada, your climate may be completely unsuitable
Growing Conditions (What We Can Guess)
While specific cultivation information for Jordal’s false candytuft is scarce, we can make some educated assumptions based on its native habitat:
- Climate: Extremely cold-hardy, likely requiring very cold winters and cool summers
- Soil: Probably prefers well-draining, rocky, or gravelly soils typical of arctic environments
- Light: Likely adapted to the unique light conditions of far northern latitudes
- Moisture: May require specific moisture patterns that mirror its native environment
A Plant for Specialists Only
Jordal’s false candytuft is essentially a plant for botanical specialists, researchers, and the most dedicated collectors of arctic flora. If you’re intrigued by this rare native but want something more practical for your garden, consider these alternatives that capture some of the same appeal:
- Other Smelowskia species that are more widely available
- Native mustard family plants suited to your region
- Cold-hardy perennials that thrive in challenging conditions
The Bottom Line
While Jordal’s false candytuft deserves recognition as a fascinating native species, it’s not a plant for typical garden use. Its extreme specialization and rarity make it more of a scientific curiosity than a practical landscaping choice. If you’re gardening in the far north and happen to encounter this plant in the wild, consider yourself lucky to witness one of nature’s most specialized survivors!
For most of us, appreciating Jordal’s false candytuft from afar while choosing more accessible native plants for our gardens is the most practical approach. Sometimes the best way to honor a rare native plant is to leave it undisturbed in its natural habitat while supporting conservation efforts that protect these unique species.
