Sharsmith’s Draba: A Rare California Alpine Gem Worth Protecting
If you’re drawn to the delicate beauty of high-mountain wildflowers, you may have encountered Sharsmith’s draba (Draba sharsmithii) during hikes in California’s Sierra Nevada. This tiny perennial forb represents both the wonder and fragility of our alpine ecosystems, making it a plant that deserves our respect and careful consideration.
What Makes Sharsmith’s Draba Special
Sharsmith’s draba is a petite member of the mustard family that forms low, cushion-like mats adorned with clusters of small white to pale yellow flowers. Despite its diminutive size, this hardy perennial has adapted to some of California’s most challenging growing conditions in high-elevation environments.
Also known by the botanical synonym Draba cruciata var. integrifolia, this native California species showcases the incredible diversity found in our state’s mountain regions.
Where You’ll Find It (And Where You Won’t)
Sharsmith’s draba is endemic to California, meaning it exists nowhere else on Earth. This makes it particularly precious—and particularly vulnerable. The species is found exclusively in high-elevation areas of the Sierra Nevada, where it has adapted to harsh alpine conditions.
A Plant in Peril: Understanding Its Rarity
Important Conservation Alert: Sharsmith’s draba has a Global Conservation Status of S2, which means it’s considered imperiled due to extreme rarity. With typically only 6 to 20 known occurrences and few remaining individuals (estimated at 1,000 to 3,000 plants), this species faces serious threats to its survival.
This rarity status means that any decision to grow this plant should be made thoughtfully and responsibly.
Should You Grow Sharsmith’s Draba?
Here’s where things get complicated. While Sharsmith’s draba is undeniably beautiful, several factors make it challenging for most gardeners:
- Extreme rarity: With so few plants left in the wild, cultivation should only be attempted with responsibly sourced, propagated material—never wild-collected plants
- Specialized needs: This alpine species requires very specific growing conditions that are difficult to replicate in most gardens
- Limited availability: Due to its rarity, you’re unlikely to find this plant available through normal nursery channels
Growing Conditions: Not for the Faint of Heart
If you’re determined to attempt growing Sharsmith’s draba (with properly sourced material), you’ll need to recreate alpine conditions:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-7, but requires high-elevation conditions
- Drainage: Absolutely critical—this plant cannot tolerate wet feet
- Temperature: Cool conditions with significant temperature fluctuations
- Soil: Rocky, well-draining, mineral-rich soil similar to alpine scree
- Garden type: Specialized alpine or rock gardens only
Garden Role and Design Considerations
In the rare instances where Sharsmith’s draba might be appropriate, it would serve as:
- A specimen plant in specialized alpine collections
- An educational example of California’s rare flora
- A conservation project for experienced alpine gardeners
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
In its natural habitat, Sharsmith’s draba provides nectar for small native bees and flies. However, given its rarity and specialized needs, there are many other California native plants that would provide more reliable pollinator benefits in garden settings.
Better Alternatives for Most Gardeners
Instead of attempting to grow this rare species, consider these more available California native alternatives that offer similar alpine charm:
- Other Draba species that are more common
- Native alpine penstemons
- California native sedums
- Other cushion-forming alpine wildflowers
The Bottom Line
Sharsmith’s draba represents the incredible but fragile biodiversity of California’s high country. While it’s tempting to want to grow every beautiful native plant we encounter, sometimes the most loving thing we can do is admire them in their natural habitat and support conservation efforts instead.
If you’re passionate about rare plants and have the expertise to provide appropriate growing conditions, ensure any plant material comes from legitimate conservation propagation programs—never from wild collection. For most gardeners, choosing more readily available natives will better serve both your garden and California’s biodiversity.
Remember: the best way to help rare plants like Sharsmith’s draba is often to leave them where they belong—in their precious mountain homes.
