Keil’s Erigeron: A Rare California Native Worth Protecting
Meet Keil’s erigeron (Erigeron inornatus var. keilii), one of California’s most elusive native wildflowers. This little-known perennial is so rare that even seasoned native plant enthusiasts might never encounter it in the wild. But don’t let its obscurity fool you – this tiny member of the sunflower family plays an important role in California’s botanical heritage.
What Makes Keil’s Erigeron Special?
Keil’s erigeron is a perennial forb, which means it’s an herbaceous plant that comes back year after year without developing woody stems like shrubs or trees. As part of the fleabane group, it belongs to a family known for their daisy-like flowers and their historical use in pest control (hence the rather unflattering fleabane name).
Where Does It Call Home?
This rare variety is native to the United States and found exclusively in California. Its distribution is extremely limited, making it one of the state’s botanical treasures that few people will ever see in person.
A Word of Caution for Gardeners
Here’s where things get serious: Keil’s erigeron has a conservation status that indicates it’s extremely rare. This isn’t a plant you’ll find at your local nursery, nor should you expect to. Its rarity means that it requires special protection and conservation efforts.
Should you plant it? The short answer is: probably not, unless you’re involved in official conservation work. Here’s why:
- Its extreme rarity means wild populations need protection from collection
- Seeds or plants should only come from legitimate conservation programs
- Growing conditions and care requirements are not well-documented
- It may have very specific habitat needs that are difficult to replicate
Supporting Conservation Instead
If you’re drawn to rare California natives, consider these alternatives that offer similar ecological benefits without conservation concerns:
- Other Erigeron species that are more common and available through native plant societies
- Native wildflowers that support the same pollinators and wildlife
- Participating in habitat restoration projects where rare plants like Keil’s erigeron might naturally occur
The Bigger Picture
While you might not be able to grow Keil’s erigeron in your garden, you can still support plants like it by:
- Choosing other native California plants for your landscape
- Supporting organizations that work to protect rare plant habitats
- Learning about and sharing awareness of California’s unique botanical heritage
- Participating in citizen science projects that help track rare plant populations
Sometimes the best way to appreciate a rare plant is to admire it from afar and work to ensure it continues to thrive in its natural habitat. Keil’s erigeron may be too rare for our gardens, but it serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity and fragility of California’s native plant communities.
Instead of trying to grow this rarity, why not explore the many other beautiful and available California natives that can bring similar ecological benefits to your garden while supporting conservation efforts for species like Keil’s erigeron?
