Lesser Showy Stickseed: A Rare Pacific Northwest Treasure
If you’re passionate about native plants and conservation, you may have heard whispers about the lesser showy stickseed (Hackelia venusta). This tiny wildflower might not win any beauty contests against showier garden favorites, but it holds a special place in the hearts of native plant enthusiasts—and for very important reasons.
What Makes This Plant So Special?
Lesser showy stickseed is a perennial forb, which simply means it’s an herbaceous plant that comes back year after year without developing woody stems. Native to Washington State, this delicate member of the borage family produces clusters of small blue flowers that, while modest in size, possess a quiet charm that’s quintessentially Pacific Northwest.
But here’s the crucial part: Hackelia venusta is critically endangered. With a Global Conservation Status of S1 and listed as Endangered in the United States, this plant is extremely rare, with typically five or fewer known populations and very few remaining individuals in the wild.
Where Does It Grow?
This rare beauty is endemic to Washington State, where it grows naturally in the Olympic Mountains region. Its limited geographical distribution is one of the main reasons for its precarious conservation status.
Should You Plant Lesser Showy Stickseed?
Here’s where things get both exciting and sobering. While supporting rare native plants is admirable, lesser showy stickseed should only be planted if you can source it responsibly. This means:
- Purchase only from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate from legally collected seed
- Never collect from wild populations
- Consider this plant only if you’re committed to proper growing conditions
- Understand that cultivation can be challenging
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re up for the challenge and have access to responsibly sourced plants, lesser showy stickseed thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6-8. Here’s what this finicky plant needs:
- Drainage: Excellent drainage is absolutely critical—soggy soil will quickly kill this plant
- Light: Partial shade to full sun, mimicking its natural mountain habitat
- Temperature: Cool conditions; it struggles in hot, humid climates
- Soil: Well-draining, preferably rocky or sandy soil
Garden Design and Landscape Role
Lesser showy stickseed is perfect for:
- Rock gardens that mimic alpine conditions
- Specialized native plant collections
- Conservation-focused landscapes
- Cool, well-drained slopes
Don’t expect this plant to be a showstopper in traditional flower borders. Its appeal lies in its rarity and conservation value rather than bold visual impact.
Pollinator and Wildlife Benefits
While small, the blue flowers of lesser showy stickseed do attract native pollinators, particularly small native bees and butterflies. Every rare native plant that survives contributes to the complex web of relationships that support local ecosystems.
The Bottom Line
Lesser showy stickseed represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. If you’re an experienced native plant gardener with the right growing conditions and access to responsibly sourced plants, you could play a small role in conservation efforts. However, this isn’t a plant for beginners or casual gardeners.
For most gardeners interested in supporting Pacific Northwest natives, consider more readily available alternatives like Oregon sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum) or wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), which offer similar ecological benefits without the conservation concerns.
Remember: when it comes to rare plants like lesser showy stickseed, our role as gardeners extends beyond just growing plants—we become stewards of biodiversity itself.
