Krause’s Sorrel: A Rare Alaskan Native Worth Protecting
If you’ve stumbled across information about Krause’s sorrel (Rumex krausei), you’ve discovered one of Alaska’s botanical treasures – and one that needs our protection more than our gardens need another plant. This little-known member of the buckwheat family is a perfect example of why not every native plant should find its way into our landscaping plans.
What Makes Krause’s Sorrel Special
Krause’s sorrel is a perennial forb, which is a fancy way of saying it’s a soft-stemmed, non-woody plant that comes back year after year. Like other members of the Rumex genus, it’s related to common garden sorrel and dock plants, but this particular species has chosen to make Alaska its exclusive home.
The plant grows as a herbaceous perennial, meaning it dies back to the ground each winter and resurges from its root system when conditions improve. Its flowers are small and greenish – not exactly the showstoppers you’d choose for a flower border, but perfectly suited to their wild Alaskan habitat.
Where You’ll Find It (If You’re Lucky)
Krause’s sorrel is endemic to Alaska, meaning it grows naturally nowhere else on Earth. Within Alaska, it has an extremely limited distribution, making it a true botanical rarity.
The Conservation Reality Check
Here’s where things get serious: Krause’s sorrel carries a Global Conservation Status of S2, which translates to Imperiled. This means the species faces a real risk of extinction, with typically only 6 to 20 known occurrences and perhaps just 1,000 to 3,000 individual plants remaining in the wild.
This rarity status puts Krause’s sorrel in a special category – it’s a plant we should celebrate and protect rather than cultivate. Every wild population is precious, and removing plants or seeds from their natural habitat could potentially harm the species’ survival.
Why This Isn’t Your Next Garden Addition
While the idea of growing a rare Alaskan native might sound appealing, there are several compelling reasons to admire Krause’s sorrel from afar:
- Conservation ethics: With so few populations remaining, wild collection could harm the species
- Specialized needs: This plant has evolved for specific Alaskan conditions that are difficult to replicate elsewhere
- Limited availability: Responsibly sourced seeds or plants are essentially non-existent in the nursery trade
- Climate requirements: It’s adapted to Alaska’s unique growing conditions (likely USDA zones 1-4)
Better Alternatives for Your Native Garden
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing native sorrel species, consider these more common and garden-appropriate alternatives:
- Common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) if it’s native to your region
- Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) where naturally occurring
- Regional native plants from the buckwheat family that are locally abundant
How You Can Help
The best way to support Krause’s sorrel is through conservation awareness and habitat protection. If you’re passionate about rare plants, consider:
- Supporting organizations that work to protect Alaska’s unique flora
- Choosing abundant native plants for your garden instead
- Spreading awareness about plant conservation
- Respecting wild populations if you’re ever lucky enough to encounter them
The Bigger Picture
Krause’s sorrel serves as a reminder that native gardening isn’t just about putting any native plant in the ground – it’s about making thoughtful choices that support both biodiversity and conservation. Sometimes the best thing we can do for a rare plant is simply let it be.
By focusing our garden efforts on locally abundant native species, we can create beautiful, ecologically valuable landscapes while leaving rare treasures like Krause’s sorrel to thrive in their wild Alaskan homes. After all, some plants are meant to be wild – and that’s exactly what makes them special.
