King’s Serpentweed: Utah’s Hidden Alpine Gem
Meet King’s serpentweed (Tonestus kingii var. kingii), one of Utah’s best-kept botanical secrets! This charming little perennial forb might not be a household name, but for native plant enthusiasts and rock garden aficionados, it’s a true treasure worth getting to know.
What Makes King’s Serpentweed Special?
King’s serpentweed is a Utah endemic, meaning it grows naturally nowhere else on Earth except in the Beehive State. This herbaceous perennial belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae) and produces delicate yellow daisy-like blooms that add a cheerful pop of color to high-elevation landscapes.
You might occasionally see this plant listed under its older scientific names, including Aster kingii or Machaeranthera kingii, but Tonestus kingii var. kingii is the current accepted botanical name.
Where Does It Call Home?
This alpine beauty is found exclusively in Utah’s mountainous regions, particularly in the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains at high elevations. Its limited geographic distribution makes it a truly special addition to any native plant collection.
Should You Grow King’s Serpentweed?
Here’s where things get interesting – and important. King’s serpentweed has a Global Conservation Status of S3T3, which indicates it’s considered rare or uncommon. This rarity status means that while growing this plant can be incredibly rewarding, it comes with responsibility.
The good news: If you can source seeds or plants responsibly (never from wild populations!), King’s serpentweed can make a fascinating addition to specialized gardens.
The considerations: This isn’t your typical garden-center plant, and it shouldn’t be. Its rarity means we need to be thoughtful stewards if we choose to cultivate it.
Perfect Garden Settings
King’s serpentweed thrives in:
- Rock gardens with excellent drainage
- Alpine or high-elevation plant collections
- Native plant gardens focused on Utah flora
- Specialized wildflower gardens
Growing Conditions and Care
Think high and dry! King’s serpentweed evolved in Utah’s mountainous terrain, so it needs conditions that mimic its natural habitat:
- Sunlight: Full sun exposure
- Soil: Well-draining, rocky or sandy soils
- Water: Low to moderate water needs once established
- Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 4-6
- Elevation: Performs best at higher elevations
Planting and Care Tips
Growing King’s serpentweed successfully requires patience and the right setup:
- Ensure excellent drainage – soggy soils are this plant’s enemy
- Plant in a location that receives full sun throughout the day
- Consider raised beds or rock gardens to improve drainage
- Be patient – alpine plants often grow slowly but reward with longevity
- Avoid overwatering, especially during winter months
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
Like many members of the sunflower family, King’s serpentweed likely provides nectar for native pollinators, including small bees and butterflies that share its high-elevation habitat. By growing this plant, you’re supporting the intricate web of life that depends on Utah’s native flora.
The Bottom Line
King’s serpentweed is a plant for the dedicated native gardener who appreciates rarity and wants to play a role in conservation. If you’re drawn to growing this Utah endemic, make sure to source it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries or seed exchanges – never collect from wild populations.
While it may require some extra care and specific growing conditions, successfully cultivating King’s serpentweed connects you to Utah’s unique botanical heritage in a meaningful way. It’s not just growing a plant; it’s preserving a piece of natural history in your own backyard.
