Noel’s Owl’s-Clover: A Rare Native Wildflower Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about native plants and love discovering botanical treasures, you might be intrigued by Noel’s owl’s-clover (Orthocarpus tolmiei holmgreniorum). This uncommon annual wildflower represents one of nature’s more specialized creations, found only in select locations across the American West.
What Makes This Plant Special
Noel’s owl’s-clover belongs to a fascinating group of plants called forbs – essentially herbaceous flowering plants that aren’t grasses, sedges, or rushes. As an annual, this little wildflower completes its entire life cycle in a single growing season, making every encounter with it somewhat precious.
What sets this particular subspecies apart is its extremely limited range and uncertain conservation status. With a Global Conservation Status of S4T3? (meaning the status is undefined but potentially of concern), this plant sits in that gray area where botanists are still figuring out exactly how rare it really is.
Where You’ll Find It Growing Wild
Noel’s owl’s-clover has carved out its niche in just two states: Idaho and Utah. This narrow distribution makes it a true regional specialty – think of it as the botanical equivalent of a local delicacy that you can’t find anywhere else.
Should You Grow Noel’s Owl’s-Clover?
Here’s where things get interesting for home gardeners. While this native wildflower certainly has appeal for those creating authentic regional landscapes, its rarity raises some important considerations:
- Conservation Responsibility: If you’re determined to grow this plant, make absolutely sure you source seeds or plants from reputable native plant suppliers who collect responsibly
- Limited Availability: Don’t expect to find this at your local garden center – it’s more of a specialty item for serious native plant enthusiasts
- Regional Authenticity: If you live in Idaho or Utah, this could be a wonderful addition to a truly local native plant garden
- Annual Nature: Remember, you’ll need to replant or allow self-seeding each year
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing information for this subspecies is limited in gardening literature. However, based on its native habitat in Idaho and Utah, we can make some educated assumptions:
- Likely prefers well-draining soils typical of western landscapes
- Probably adapted to relatively dry conditions once established
- As a native forb, it should integrate well with other regional wildflowers and grasses
- Being annual, it will likely self-seed under favorable conditions
The Bottom Line for Gardeners
Noel’s owl’s-clover represents one of those plants that’s more important from a conservation and botanical interest standpoint than as a typical garden plant. If you’re in Idaho or Utah and passionate about preserving local flora, this could be a meaningful addition to a specialized native plant collection.
However, for most gardeners, there are more readily available owl’s-clover relatives that can provide similar ecological benefits without the conservation concerns. Consider exploring other Orthocarpus species or related native wildflowers that are more common and better suited to cultivation.
If you do decide to grow Noel’s owl’s-clover, approach it as a conservation project rather than just another pretty flower for the garden. Source responsibly, document your success (or failures), and consider sharing seeds with other conservation-minded gardeners to help preserve this unique piece of our native plant heritage.
