Ornduff’s Goldfields: A Rare Oregon Native Worth Knowing
If you’re the type of gardener who loves discovering hidden gems in the native plant world, let me introduce you to Ornduff’s goldfields (Lasthenia ornduffii). This little-known Oregon native might not be gracing the pages of every gardening magazine, but it’s got that special charm that comes with truly local flora.
What Exactly Is Ornduff’s Goldfields?
Botanically speaking, Ornduff’s goldfields is a forb – which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a soft-stemmed, herbaceous plant (think wildflower rather than woody shrub). Unlike its tree and shrub neighbors, this little guy stays tender and green, putting its energy into flowers rather than building tough, woody stems.
Here’s where it gets interesting: this plant pulls double duty as both an annual and perennial. That means it might live just one growing season, or it might stick around for multiple years – nature likes to keep us guessing!
Where You’ll Find This Oregon Original
Ornduff’s goldfields is a true Oregon native, found naturally within the state’s borders. This makes it a fantastic choice for gardeners who want to support their local ecosystem and work with plants that are genuinely from here.
The Garden Reality Check
Here’s where I need to be completely honest with you: finding detailed growing information for Ornduff’s goldfields is like searching for a needle in a haystack. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill nursery plant, and there’s limited cultivation data available for home gardeners.
What we do know:
- It’s a native Oregon species
- It belongs to the sunflower family (like many goldfields plants)
- It’s herbaceous rather than woody
- It can behave as either an annual or perennial
Should You Try Growing It?
The native plant enthusiast in me wants to say absolutely! – there’s something deeply satisfying about growing plants that belong in your specific corner of the world. Native plants typically require less water, fewer amendments, and support local wildlife better than non-natives.
However, the practical gardener in me has to add a few caveats:
- Seeds or plants may be extremely difficult to source
- Growing requirements are not well-documented
- Success rates for home cultivation are unknown
If You’re Determined to Try
Should you manage to get your hands on seeds or plants, here’s what I’d recommend based on what we know about related Oregon natives:
- Start with well-draining soil (most Oregon natives prefer this)
- Provide full to partial sun exposure
- Go easy on water and fertilizer – natives usually prefer lean conditions
- Be patient and observant – this plant will teach you its preferences if you pay attention
Alternative Oregon Natives to Consider
If Ornduff’s goldfields proves too elusive, consider these more readily available Oregon natives that might scratch the same itch:
- Oregon sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum)
- Bicolor lupine (Lupinus bicolor)
- Farewell-to-spring (Clarkia amoena)
The Bottom Line
Ornduff’s goldfields represents the fascinating world of regional native plants – species that have quietly adapted to very specific places over thousands of years. While it might not be the easiest plant to grow or find, it’s exactly these kinds of plants that make native gardening such an adventure.
If you’re up for the challenge and can source this rare beauty responsibly, you’ll be growing something truly special – a piece of Oregon’s natural heritage right in your own backyard. Just remember: sometimes the most rewarding plants are the ones that make us work a little harder to understand them.
