Sharsmith’s Stickseed: A Rare Native Gem Worth Protecting
If you’re a native plant enthusiast always on the hunt for something truly special, Sharsmith’s stickseed (Hackelia sharsmithii) might just capture your imagination. This little-known perennial is one of those plants that botanists get excited about – not because it’s flashy, but because it’s genuinely rare and represents an important piece of our native plant heritage.
What Makes Sharsmith’s Stickseed Special?
Sharsmith’s stickseed is a native perennial forb that calls the western United States home. As a forb, it’s an herbaceous plant without woody stems – think wildflower rather than shrub. This unassuming plant belongs to the borage family and shares characteristics with its more common cousins, but what sets it apart is its extremely limited range and conservation status.
Where Does It Grow?
This rare native is found only in California and Nevada, making it a true regional specialty. Its limited geographic distribution is one of the reasons it’s considered uncommon to rare, with a conservation status of S2S3. When a plant has such a restricted range, every population becomes precious.
Should You Plant Sharsmith’s Stickseed?
Here’s the important part: While Sharsmith’s stickseed is undoubtedly fascinating, its rarity means we need to approach it with extra care and responsibility. If you’re considering adding this plant to your garden, please ensure any seeds or plants come from responsibly sourced material – never collected from wild populations.
Growing Conditions and Care
Because Sharsmith’s stickseed is so uncommon, detailed cultivation information is limited. However, based on its native habitat and related species, here’s what we can reasonably expect:
- Well-draining soil conditions
- Likely suited to USDA hardiness zones 5-8
- Probably prefers full sun to partial shade
- Minimal water requirements once established
Garden Role and Landscape Design
Let’s be honest – Sharsmith’s stickseed isn’t going to be the star of your flower border. Like many native forbs, its beauty lies in its ecological value rather than showy blooms. It would be most at home in:
- Native plant collections
- Conservation-focused gardens
- Naturalized wildflower areas
- Educational or demonstration gardens
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While specific information about Sharsmith’s stickseed’s wildlife benefits is limited, plants in the Hackelia genus typically provide nectar for small pollinators and may offer seeds for birds and small mammals. Every native plant plays a role in supporting local ecosystems, no matter how small that role might seem.
The Bottom Line
Sharsmith’s stickseed represents something increasingly rare in our world – a plant that exists in just a small corner of our continent, quietly doing its ecological work. While it may not be the flashiest addition to your garden, growing it responsibly can be a meaningful way to participate in plant conservation.
If you can’t source Sharsmith’s stickseed responsibly, consider other native alternatives from the borage family or local wildflowers that provide similar ecological benefits without the conservation concerns. Sometimes the best way to honor a rare plant is to protect it by choosing more common natives that can fulfill similar garden roles.
Remember: with rare plants comes great responsibility. Garden thoughtfully, source ethically, and help preserve these botanical treasures for future generations to discover and appreciate.
