Growing Machaeranthera: A Lesser-Known Native Wildflower
If you’re a gardener who loves discovering unique native plants that aren’t found in every nursery catalog, you might have stumbled across Machaeranthera pinnatifida var. scabrella, commonly known simply as machaeranthera. This somewhat mysterious native wildflower represents one of those botanical treasures that dedicated native plant enthusiasts occasionally encounter in their quest for authentic regional flora.
What Exactly Is Machaeranthera?
Machaeranthera pinnatifida var. scabrella belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae) and has quite a taxonomic history. Like many plants in this complex family, it has gone by several scientific names over the years, including Eriocarpum scabrellum, Haplopappus spinulosus var. scabrellus, and Machaeranthera scabrella. This name-changing isn’t unusual – botanists are constantly refining our understanding of plant relationships, which sometimes means updating scientific names.
The Challenge with This Particular Plant
Here’s where things get a bit tricky for us gardeners. While this plant appears in historical botanical records, finding current, reliable information about this specific variety proves challenging. The genus Machaeranthera has undergone significant taxonomic revisions in recent decades, with many species being moved to other genera. This means that what was once called Machaeranthera might now be classified differently.
Geographic Distribution
Unfortunately, the current geographic distribution of this particular variety is not well-documented in readily available sources. This uncertainty about its range makes it difficult to determine whether it might be suitable for your specific location.
Should You Try to Grow It?
Given the limited information available about this specific variety, here are some considerations:
- The uncertain taxonomic status makes it difficult to find reliable growing information
- Seeds or plants may be extremely difficult to source from reputable native plant suppliers
- Without clear distribution data, it’s hard to know if it’s appropriate for your region
Better Native Alternatives
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing native asters and sunflower family plants, consider these well-documented alternatives that are easier to source and grow:
- Native asters (Symphyotrichum species) for fall blooms and pollinator support
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for fragrant flowers and butterfly appeal
- Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) for reliable blooms and bird-attracting seed heads
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia species) for cheerful yellow flowers
The Takeaway for Native Plant Gardeners
While Machaeranthera pinnatifida var. scabrella represents an intriguing piece of botanical history, the lack of current information and uncertain availability make it a challenging choice for most gardeners. Sometimes the most responsible approach to native gardening is to focus on well-documented species that we know will thrive and provide clear benefits to local ecosystems.
If you’re particularly interested in this plant, consider reaching out to local botanical societies, native plant groups, or university extension offices. They might have more specific information about whether this variety occurs in your region and could point you toward appropriate alternatives that offer similar ecological benefits.
Remember, successful native gardening is about choosing plants that are genuinely native to your specific area and that you can grow successfully – creating habitat and beauty that will last for years to come.
