Longrunner: What You Need to Know About This Wetland Perennial
If you’ve stumbled across the name longrunner in your plant research, you might be wondering whether this wetland-loving perennial deserves a spot in your garden. Let’s dive into what we know about Rorippa sarmentosa and help you decide if it’s right for your landscape.
What is Longrunner?
Longrunner (Rorippa sarmentosa) is a perennial forb that belongs to the mustard family. As a forb, it’s an herbaceous plant without significant woody tissue—think of it as the garden equivalent of a reliable friend who’s always there but doesn’t take up too much space. You might also see it listed under its scientific synonym, Nasturtium sarmentosum, in older botanical references.
Where Does Longrunner Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting: longrunner is not native to the areas where it’s commonly found today. In Hawaii, where it currently grows, this plant is considered a non-native species that was introduced but has since established itself in the wild. It reproduces on its own and persists without human intervention.
Longrunner’s Garden Personality
This perennial has a particular fondness for wet feet. In Hawaii, longrunner holds a Facultative Wetland status, which means it usually shows up in wetlands but can occasionally tolerate drier conditions. Think of it as a plant that prefers to live near the water cooler—it’s most comfortable in moist environments but can adapt when necessary.
Should You Plant Longrunner?
Here’s the honest truth: while longrunner isn’t classified as invasive or harmful, there’s limited information available about its specific growing requirements, aesthetic qualities, or garden benefits. When you’re choosing plants for your landscape, especially in Hawaii, you might want to consider some alternatives.
Better Alternatives: Go Native!
Instead of taking a chance on longrunner, why not explore Hawaii’s incredible native plant options? Native Hawaiian plants offer several advantages:
- They’re naturally adapted to local conditions
- They support native wildlife and pollinators
- They typically require less water and maintenance once established
- They help preserve Hawaii’s unique ecological heritage
For wetland areas, consider native Hawaiian sedges, native ferns, or other indigenous plants that thrive in moist conditions and provide habitat for local wildlife.
The Bottom Line
While longrunner might seem like an interesting addition to a wet garden area, the limited information about its cultivation and care, combined with its non-native status, makes it a questionable choice for most gardeners. Your landscape—and Hawaii’s ecosystem—will likely benefit more from choosing well-researched native alternatives that offer proven beauty, wildlife benefits, and easier care instructions.
Remember, gardening is about creating spaces that work for both you and the local environment. When in doubt, going native is usually the way to go!
