Kittentail: A Charming Native Perennial for Low-Maintenance Gardens
If you’re looking for a native perennial that’s as cute as its name suggests, meet kittentail (Besseya)! This delightful little plant might not be the showiest flower in your garden, but it more than makes up for it with its easygoing nature and important role in supporting local ecosystems.
What is Kittentail?
Kittentail is a low-growing perennial that forms neat clumps of foliage topped with distinctive flower spikes. The common name comes from the plant’s fuzzy, bottlebrush-like flower clusters that do indeed resemble a kitten’s tail – though thankfully, they stay put in your garden rather than knocking things off your coffee table!
This hardy native has quite an impressive range, naturally growing across a vast territory that includes parts of Canada and much of the western and midwestern United States. You’ll find kittentail thriving from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, down through states like Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and extending east to states including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and more.
Why Plant Kittentail in Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons to give kittentail a spot in your landscape:
- Native plant benefits: As a true North American native, kittentail supports local wildlife and fits naturally into regional ecosystems
- Low maintenance: Once established, this perennial is remarkably drought-tolerant and requires minimal care
- Pollinator support: The small flowers attract native bees and other beneficial insects
- Versatile placement: Works well in rock gardens, naturalized areas, and as ground cover
- Cold hardy: Thrives in USDA zones 3-8, making it suitable for most temperate climates
Garden Design Ideas
Kittentail shines in several garden settings. It’s particularly at home in:
- Native plant gardens: Pairs beautifully with other indigenous wildflowers and grasses
- Rock gardens: Its compact size and drought tolerance make it perfect for rocky, well-draining spots
- Prairie restorations: Helps recreate natural grassland ecosystems
- Xeriscaping: An excellent choice for water-wise landscaping
- Ground cover: Forms attractive, low-maintenance carpets in appropriate conditions
How to Grow Kittentail Successfully
The good news is that kittentail is refreshingly undemanding. Here’s how to keep it happy:
Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade – it’s quite adaptable
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential; it tolerates poor soils but not soggy conditions
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established, though occasional watering during dry spells is appreciated
- pH: Adaptable to various soil pH levels
Planting and Care Tips
Getting started with kittentail is straightforward:
- Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate
- Space plants according to their mature spread to allow for good air circulation
- Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots
- Once established, minimal watering is needed except during extended droughts
- Deadhead spent flowers if you prefer a tidier appearance, or leave them for wildlife
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and create new plants
Supporting Wildlife
While kittentail might seem modest, it plays an important role in supporting local ecosystems. The flowers provide nectar for native bees, small butterflies, and other beneficial insects. As a native plant, it’s co-evolved with local wildlife and offers resources that non-native plants simply can’t match.
Is Kittentail Right for Your Garden?
Kittentail is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, native perennial that supports local wildlife. It’s particularly perfect for gardeners who want to reduce watering, create habitat for pollinators, or establish naturalized areas that require minimal intervention.
However, if you’re seeking dramatic flowers or quick coverage, you might want to look elsewhere. Kittentail is more about quiet charm and ecological function than flashy display.
With its sweet name, native credentials, and easygoing nature, kittentail deserves consideration in any garden focused on sustainability and supporting local ecosystems. Sometimes the most valuable plants are the ones that ask for the least while giving back the most!
