Remarkable Goatsbeard: A Mysterious Native Worth Knowing
Meet Tragopogon mirus, commonly known as remarkable goatsbeard – a plant that lives up to its intriguing name in more ways than one. This biennial forb is something of an enigma in the native plant world, with limited documentation despite its presence across several western states and into Canada.
What Makes It Remarkable?
Remarkable goatsbeard is a herbaceous plant that follows a two-year life cycle typical of biennials. As a forb, it lacks significant woody tissue and produces its perennating buds at or below ground level, making it well-adapted to survive harsh winters and return each growing season.
Where You’ll Find Remarkable Goatsbeard
This species has an interesting geographic story. While it’s native to the lower 48 United States, it’s also established itself in parts of Canada where it’s considered non-native but naturalized. You can find remarkable goatsbeard growing in Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Ontario, Canada.
The Garden Consideration
Here’s where things get tricky for gardeners: there’s surprisingly little documented information about Tragopogon mirus in horticultural settings. Unlike some of its better-known cousins in the Tragopogon genus, remarkable goatsbeard hasn’t made its way into mainstream gardening guides or native plant resources.
What we do know is that it’s a biennial forb, which means:
- First year: focuses on establishing roots and foliage
- Second year: produces flowers, sets seed, and completes its life cycle
- May self-seed to maintain population
Should You Plant It?
Given the limited information available about remarkable goatsbeard’s growing requirements, invasive potential, and garden performance, it’s challenging to make a strong recommendation either way. If you’re in its native range and encounter this species, it’s worth observing and appreciating as part of your local flora.
However, if you’re looking to add native goatsbeard species to your garden, you might consider better-documented alternatives that are definitively native to your specific region. Many areas have well-established native wildflower species that offer similar ecological benefits with more predictable garden performance.
The Mystery Factor
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about remarkable goatsbeard is how little we know about it horticulturally. This highlights an important point about native plant gardening: not every native species is well-suited for cultivation, and some are better left to thrive in their natural habitats.
If you do encounter Tragopogon mirus in the wild, take a moment to appreciate this lesser-known member of North America’s native flora. Sometimes the most remarkable plants are the ones that keep their secrets, thriving quietly in the landscapes where they belong.
The Bottom Line
While remarkable goatsbeard certainly lives up to its name in terms of mystery, gardeners looking for reliable native options might want to explore better-documented species. If you’re passionate about growing unusual natives and happen to be in this plant’s range, approach it as an experimental addition rather than a garden staple – and always ensure you’re sourcing plants or seeds responsibly.
