Ojo Alamo Fleabane: A Rare New Mexico Native Worth Protecting
If you’re a native plant enthusiast with a passion for conservation, you might be intrigued by the Ojo Alamo fleabane (Erigeron bistiensis). But before you add this plant to your wishlist, there’s something crucial you need to know about this New Mexico native.
What Makes This Fleabane Special
The Ojo Alamo fleabane belongs to the vast Erigeron genus, commonly known as fleabanes or daisyfleas. Like its relatives, this perennial forb produces the characteristic daisy-like flowers that make fleabanes beloved by pollinators and gardeners alike. As a forb, it’s an herbaceous plant without woody stems, storing its energy in underground parts to return each growing season.
Where You’ll Find It (Or Won’t)
This fleabane calls New Mexico home and only New Mexico. Its extremely limited range is part of what makes it so special—and so vulnerable. The plant is endemic to this single state, making it a true regional treasure.
A Plant on the Edge
Here’s where things get serious. The Ojo Alamo fleabane carries a Global Conservation Status of S1, which translates to Critically Imperiled. This designation means the species faces an extremely high risk of extinction due to its rarity or specific threats. We’re talking about five or fewer known populations and likely fewer than 1,000 individual plants in the wild.
This rarity status puts the Ojo Alamo fleabane in the same category as some of our planet’s most endangered species. Every individual plant matters when numbers are this low.
Should You Grow It?
While we’d love to encourage growing more native plants, the Ojo Alamo fleabane presents a unique ethical consideration. If you’re determined to grow this rare beauty, proceed with extreme caution and responsibility:
- Never collect seeds or plants from wild populations
- Only obtain material from reputable native plant nurseries that can verify responsible propagation
- Consider supporting conservation efforts instead of personal cultivation
- Explore growing other New Mexico fleabanes that aren’t critically endangered
Alternative Fleabanes for Your Garden
If you’re drawn to the charm of native fleabanes, consider these more common alternatives that can provide similar ecological benefits without conservation concerns:
- Spreading fleabane (Erigeron divergens)
- White-top fleabane (Erigeron glaucus)
- Showy fleabane (Erigeron speciosus)
Supporting Conservation
The best way to help the Ojo Alamo fleabane might not be growing it in your garden. Instead, consider:
- Supporting organizations working on New Mexico plant conservation
- Participating in citizen science projects that monitor rare plants
- Advocating for habitat protection in New Mexico
- Growing other native New Mexico plants to support regional biodiversity
The Bigger Picture
The story of Ojo Alamo fleabane reminds us that not every native plant is suited for widespread cultivation. Sometimes, the most meaningful way to appreciate a species is to respect its rarity and support its survival in the wild. By understanding and respecting the conservation status of plants like this fleabane, we become better stewards of our native flora.
If you’re gardening in New Mexico or nearby areas, focus on creating habitat for pollinators and wildlife with more common native species. Your garden can still make a meaningful contribution to local ecosystems while leaving the rarest plants to specialized conservation efforts.
