Little Mountain Bluegrass: A Rare Pacific Northwest Native Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about native plants and live in the Pacific Northwest, you might want to learn about little mountain bluegrass (Poa curtifolia) – a delicate perennial grass that’s as charming as it is uncommon. This unassuming native has a story worth telling, and for the right gardener, it could be a meaningful addition to a specialized landscape.
What Makes Little Mountain Bluegrass Special?
Little mountain bluegrass is a true Pacific Northwest native, belonging to the grass family. As a perennial graminoid (that’s botanist-speak for grass-like plant), it brings a subtle, naturalistic beauty to gardens that appreciate understated elegance over flashy blooms.
What makes this grass particularly noteworthy is its rarity. Little mountain bluegrass has a Global Conservation Status of S3, meaning it’s considered vulnerable. With typically only 21 to 100 known occurrences and between 3,000 to 10,000 individuals in the wild, this isn’t a plant you’ll stumble across at your local garden center.
Where Does It Grow?
Currently, little mountain bluegrass is documented as growing in Washington state, where it thrives in mountain environments. This limited geographic distribution is part of what makes it so special – and so vulnerable.
Should You Grow Little Mountain Bluegrass?
Here’s where things get interesting. If you’re drawn to rare native plants and want to contribute to conservation efforts, little mountain bluegrass could be a rewarding choice. However, there’s an important caveat: because of its vulnerable status, you should only grow it if you can source it responsibly.
This means:
- Never collect plants or seeds from wild populations
- Only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their own stock
- Consider participating in seed collection programs organized by conservation groups
- Share seeds or divisions with other native plant enthusiasts to help preserve the species
Perfect Garden Settings
Little mountain bluegrass isn’t for every garden, but it shines in the right setting. Consider it for:
- Alpine or rock gardens that mimic mountain conditions
- Naturalistic landscapes focused on Pacific Northwest natives
- Specialty collections of rare or unusual grasses
- Conservation gardens dedicated to preserving regional flora
Its fine-textured, delicate appearance makes it perfect for gardeners who appreciate subtle beauty and want to create authentic Pacific Northwest plant communities.
Growing Conditions and Care
As a mountain native, little mountain bluegrass has some specific preferences. While detailed growing requirements aren’t well-documented due to its rarity, we can make educated guesses based on its natural habitat:
- Drainage: Excellent drainage is likely essential, as most mountain plants can’t tolerate soggy conditions
- Temperature: Cool conditions similar to mountain environments
- Soil: Well-draining, possibly rocky or sandy soils that mimic its natural habitat
- Hardiness: Likely suitable for USDA zones 4-7, based on its mountain origins
Planting and Care Tips
Given its rarity, growing little mountain bluegrass successfully requires attention to detail:
- Start with small plants or seeds from reputable sources
- Provide excellent drainage – consider raised beds or rock gardens
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as mountain plants typically prefer lean soils
- Water carefully, allowing soil to dry between waterings
- Protect from extreme heat and humidity
- Be patient – rare plants often grow slowly
Wildlife and Ecosystem Benefits
While little mountain bluegrass may not be a pollinator magnet (grasses are typically wind-pollinated), it plays important ecological roles. Native grasses provide habitat for small wildlife, contribute to soil stability, and help maintain the genetic diversity that makes ecosystems resilient.
The Bottom Line
Little mountain bluegrass is definitely not for every gardener, but for those passionate about native plant conservation and willing to provide specialized care, it offers a unique opportunity to help preserve a vulnerable species. If you decide to grow it, you’ll be joining a small but dedicated community of gardeners working to keep this Pacific Northwest native alive for future generations.
Remember: with great rarity comes great responsibility. Only grow little mountain bluegrass if you can source it ethically and provide the specialized care it needs to thrive.
