Lacy Tansyaster: A Native Prairie Gem for Your Garden
If you’re looking to add authentic native charm to your landscape, the lacy tansyaster (Machaeranthera pinnatifida var. glaberrima) might just be the prairie wildflower you’ve been searching for. This lesser-known native perennial brings a touch of the Great Plains right to your backyard, complete with delicate blooms and hardy prairie roots.
What is Lacy Tansyaster?
Lacy tansyaster is a native perennial forb that belongs to the sunflower family. As a forb herb, it’s a vascular plant that stays relatively low to the ground without developing woody stems like shrubs or trees. Think of it as nature’s way of creating a living carpet of native beauty that comes back year after year.
This plant goes by several scientific names in botanical circles, including some tongue-twisting synonyms like Haplopappus spinulosus var. glaberrimus and Sideranthus glaberrimus. But don’t let the fancy names intimidate you – this is simply a charming native wildflower that knows how to make itself at home in American gardens.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
Lacy tansyaster is proudly native to the lower 48 states, with a natural range spanning across the heart of America. You’ll find this prairie native growing wild in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. That’s quite an impressive native range, stretching from the Great Plains through parts of the Southwest!
Why Consider Lacy Tansyaster for Your Garden?
Here’s why this native beauty deserves a spot in your landscape:
- True native credentials: Supporting local ecosystems has never been easier when you choose plants that actually belong in your region
- Low-maintenance perennial: Once established, this hardy native comes back year after year without fuss
- Prairie authenticity: Perfect for gardeners wanting to recreate natural grassland habitats
- Adaptable nature: Native across nine states means it’s naturally tough and versatile
Garden Design Ideas
Lacy tansyaster works beautifully in several garden styles:
- Native prairie gardens: Combine with other Great Plains natives for an authentic grassland feel
- Naturalized areas: Let it spread naturally in less formal parts of your landscape
- Wildlife gardens: Native plants typically support local wildlife better than non-natives
- Low-water landscapes: Prairie natives are generally adapted to drier conditions
Growing Tips and Considerations
While specific growing information for this variety is limited in horticultural literature, prairie natives generally prefer:
- Full sun exposure
- Well-draining soils
- Minimal supplemental watering once established
- Natural rainfall patterns typical of prairie regions
As with many native plants, the key is trying to replicate the conditions it would find in its natural habitat. Think prairie conditions: plenty of sunshine, good drainage, and not too much pampering.
A Word of Caution
Because detailed cultivation information specifically for Machaeranthera pinnatifida var. glaberrima is quite limited, you might want to start with other well-documented native alternatives if you’re new to native gardening. However, if you’re an experienced gardener who loves experimenting with lesser-known natives, this could be an exciting addition to your plant collection.
The Bottom Line
Lacy tansyaster represents the kind of authentic native plant that connects your garden to the natural heritage of America’s heartland. While it may not be the easiest native to find information about, its extensive natural range suggests it’s a resilient and adaptable choice for the right gardener. If you live within its native range and want to support local ecosystems while adding prairie charm to your landscape, this native perennial forb might just be worth seeking out.
Remember, choosing native plants isn’t just about gardening – it’s about becoming part of the natural community that’s been thriving in your area for generations. And sometimes, that means taking a chance on the road less traveled, even if it’s a lacy tansyaster that’s still keeping some of its secrets to itself.
