Sticky Tofieldia: A Specialized Native for Wetland Gardens
If you’re passionate about native plants and have a thing for the unusual, sticky tofieldia (Triantha occidentalis brevistyla) might just catch your attention. This lesser-known perennial forb represents the kind of specialized native plant that makes dedicated native gardeners’ hearts skip a beat – though it’s definitely not your typical garden center find.
What Is Sticky Tofieldia?
Sticky tofieldia is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to a fascinating group of plants. As a forb, it lacks woody tissue above ground, instead dying back each winter and returning from underground parts each spring. Don’t let the modest appearance fool you – this little native has some interesting characteristics that set it apart from more common garden plants.
You might also encounter this plant listed under several scientific synonyms, including various forms of Tofieldia glutinosa, reflecting the ongoing botanical discussions about how to best classify these specialized plants.
Where Does It Call Home?
This native beauty has quite an impressive range across northwestern North America. You’ll find sticky tofieldia growing naturally in Alaska, several Canadian provinces including Alberta and British Columbia, and in the northwestern United States including Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. It’s truly a plant of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Should You Grow Sticky Tofieldia?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. Sticky tofieldia falls into the category of specialized native plants that are absolutely worth preserving and supporting in the wild, but may not be the easiest choice for the average home gardener.
The Pros:
- Genuinely native across a wide range of northwestern regions
- Supports local ecosystem integrity
- Unique addition for serious native plant enthusiasts
- Perennial nature means it returns year after year
The Challenges:
- Very limited availability in the nursery trade
- Specialized growing requirements that aren’t well documented
- Modest ornamental appeal compared to showier natives
- May require specific soil and moisture conditions
Growing Conditions and Care
Based on its natural habitat, sticky tofieldia likely prefers moist to wet soil conditions and can probably handle both partial shade and full sun situations. Given its native range from Alaska down through the Pacific Northwest, it’s adapted to cooler climates and probably thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7.
If you’re determined to try growing this specialized native, your best bet would be to:
- Ensure consistently moist soil conditions
- Provide good drainage despite the moisture needs
- Start with seeds or plants from reputable native plant sources
- Be patient – specialized natives often establish slowly
The Bottom Line
Sticky tofieldia represents the kind of plant that makes native gardening both fascinating and challenging. While it’s not going to be the star of your flower border or provide masses of showy blooms, it offers something different: a connection to the authentic plant communities of northwestern North America.
If you’re just starting your native plant journey, you might want to begin with more readily available and easier-to-grow natives from your region. But if you’re an experienced native gardener looking for something truly special, and you happen to live within its natural range, sticky tofieldia could be a rewarding challenge.
Remember, the best approach with any specialized native is to source it responsibly and learn as much as you can about its natural habitat to recreate those conditions in your garden. Sometimes the most rewarding plants are the ones that make us work a little harder to understand and appreciate them.
