Packard’s Desertparsley: A Rare Gem for the Adventurous Native Gardener
If you’re the type of gardener who loves a challenge and wants to grow something truly special, Packard’s desertparsley (Lomatium packardiae) might just be the plant for you. But before you get too excited, there’s something important you need to know about this little-known native beauty.
A Plant That’s Harder to Find Than a Parking Spot Downtown
Packard’s desertparsley isn’t your run-of-the-mill native plant. This perennial herb is what botanists call imperiled, with a conservation status that puts it in the extremely rare category. We’re talking about a plant with only 6 to 20 known occurrences in the wild – that’s rarer than finding someone who actually reads the terms and conditions!
This little forb (that’s garden-speak for a non-woody flowering plant) calls the Great Basin region home, specifically parts of Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon. It’s a true native to the lower 48 states, making it a legitimate choice for native plant enthusiasts in these areas.
What Makes This Plant Special?
Packard’s desertparsley belongs to the carrot family, and like its relatives, it produces delicate clusters of small white to cream-colored flowers in umbrella-like formations called umbels. The foliage is finely divided and fern-like, giving it an almost ethereal appearance in the garden. Don’t expect a showstopper, though – this is more of a whisper quietly kind of plant rather than a shout from the rooftops specimen.
Should You Grow It?
Here’s where things get complicated. While Packard’s desertparsley would make a fascinating addition to the right garden, its rarity status means you need to be extremely careful about sourcing. Only consider planting this species if you can obtain seeds or plants from responsibly managed sources – never collect from wild populations.
This plant is perfect for:
- Native plant gardens focused on Great Basin species
- Rock gardens with excellent drainage
- Xeriscaping projects in appropriate climates
- Conservation-minded gardeners working with botanical institutions
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do manage to source this rare beauty responsibly, here’s what you need to know about keeping it happy:
Sun and Soil: Packard’s desertparsley demands full sun and extremely well-draining soil. Think desert conditions rather than lush garden bed. Heavy, clay soils are basically a death sentence for this plant.
Water: Less is more. This drought-tolerant native prefers dry conditions and can be killed by kindness (a.k.a. overwatering).
Hardiness: Based on its native range, it should be hardy in USDA zones 5-8, but expect it to be particular about microclimates.
Establishment: Fair warning – this isn’t a plant for beginners. It can be tricky to establish and may take patience to get going.
Benefits to Your Local Ecosystem
Like other members of the carrot family, Packard’s desertparsley attracts small native bees and other beneficial insects. It’s particularly valuable because it provides nectar sources that co-evolved with local pollinators in the Great Basin region.
The Bottom Line
Packard’s desertparsley is absolutely fascinating, but it’s not a plant to grow on a whim. Its imperiled status means that every garden specimen needs to come from carefully managed sources, and its finicky growing requirements mean you’ll need to provide just the right conditions. If you’re up for the challenge and can source it responsibly, it’s a unique way to support conservation efforts while growing something truly special.
For most gardeners interested in native Great Basin plants, consider starting with more common Lomatium species or other drought-tolerant natives from the region. Save Packard’s desertparsley for when you’ve mastered the art of growing its less temperamental cousins!
