Patterson’s Dawnflower: A Rare Native Gem Worth Protecting
If you’re a native plant enthusiast always on the lookout for something truly special, Patterson’s dawnflower (Stylisma pickeringii var. pattersonii) might just capture your imagination. This little-known native perennial represents one of those botanical treasures that reminds us how much we still have to discover and protect in our own backyards.
What Makes Patterson’s Dawnflower Special?
Patterson’s dawnflower is a perennial forb herb, meaning it’s a non-woody plant that comes back year after year from its underground parts. As a member of the morning glory family, it shares some characteristics with its more familiar cousins, though it maintains its own unique charm and ecological niche.
This plant goes by the scientific name Stylisma pickeringii var. pattersonii, and you might occasionally see it referenced under its synonyms Breweria pickeringii var. pattersonii or Stylisma pattersonii in older botanical literature.
Where Does It Call Home?
Patterson’s dawnflower is a true native of the lower 48 states, specifically calling the south-central region home. You can find this rare variety growing naturally across nine states:
- Arkansas
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
- Texas
A Word About Rarity
Here’s where things get serious, fellow plant lovers. Patterson’s dawnflower carries a rarity status of S2 in Arkansas, which means it’s considered imperiled in that state. This designation tells us that the plant faces real conservation challenges and that its populations are genuinely at risk.
What does this mean for gardeners? If you’re considering adding this plant to your landscape, it’s absolutely crucial that you source it responsibly. Never collect plants from the wild – this could further threaten already vulnerable populations. Instead, work only with reputable native plant nurseries that can guarantee their plants are ethically propagated.
Should You Grow Patterson’s Dawnflower?
The honest answer is: it’s complicated. While this native plant undoubtedly has ecological value and deserves our appreciation, the limited information available about its cultivation needs makes it a challenging choice for most home gardeners.
If you’re an experienced native plant gardener with a particular interest in rare species conservation, Patterson’s dawnflower might be worth pursuing – but only through responsible channels. For most gardeners, however, focusing on more common native alternatives that provide similar ecological benefits might be the wiser choice.
Supporting Native Plant Conservation
Even if you don’t end up growing Patterson’s dawnflower in your own garden, you can still support plants like this one by:
- Supporting native plant societies and conservation organizations
- Choosing other native plants for your landscape
- Learning to identify rare plants in your area
- Reporting sightings to local botanists or conservation groups
- Advocating for habitat protection in your community
The Bigger Picture
Patterson’s dawnflower serves as a perfect reminder that our native plant communities are more diverse and complex than we often realize. While we may not all be able to grow this particular rarity in our gardens, we can all play a role in protecting the habitats where such plants thrive naturally.
Every native plant we choose to grow, no matter how common, contributes to a larger network of habitat that supports our local ecosystems. Sometimes the most important thing we can do for a rare plant like Patterson’s dawnflower is to create gardens that support the broader community of native species it depends on.
Whether you’re just starting your native plant journey or you’re a seasoned pro, remember that every garden is an opportunity to make a difference – one native plant at a time.
