Mycelis: Understanding This Non-Native Annual Forb
If you’ve come across the name mycelis in your gardening research, you might be wondering what exactly this plant is and whether it belongs in your garden. Let’s dive into what we know about this somewhat mysterious member of the plant world.
What is Mycelis?
Mycelis is a genus of annual forbs, which simply means they’re herbaceous plants that complete their entire life cycle in just one growing season. As forbs, these plants lack the woody stems you’d find on shrubs or trees, instead producing soft, green stems that die back completely each year. Think of them as the garden equivalent of a seasonal visitor – they show up, do their thing, and then bow out gracefully.
Where Does Mycelis Grow?
Here’s where things get interesting from a native gardening perspective. Mycelis is actually a non-native species that has made itself at home across much of North America. You can find established populations throughout Canada and Alaska, as well as scattered across many northern and western U.S. states.
Currently, mycelis has been documented growing in British Columbia, Alaska, Ontario, Quebec, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. That’s quite a range for a plant that originally called somewhere else home!
Should You Grow Mycelis in Your Garden?
This is where native gardening philosophy comes into play. While mycelis isn’t currently flagged as invasive or particularly problematic, it’s also not contributing to local ecosystems the way native plants do. As a non-native species, it likely offers limited benefits to local wildlife, pollinators, and soil communities that have evolved alongside indigenous plants.
The Native Alternative Approach
Instead of adding mycelis to your garden, consider exploring native annual forbs that can provide similar seasonal interest while supporting your local ecosystem. Depending on your region, you might look into:
- Native wildflowers that bloom during the same season
- Indigenous annual herbs that attract local pollinators
- Regional forbs that provide food sources for native wildlife
Your local native plant society or extension office can help you identify the best native alternatives for your specific area and garden conditions.
Growing Considerations
If you do encounter mycelis in your garden or local area, remember that as an annual, it completes its entire life cycle in one year. This means new plants must grow from seed each season, and the timing of germination, growth, flowering, and seed production all happen within that single growing period.
Like many non-native plants that have established themselves across diverse climates, mycelis appears to be fairly adaptable to different growing conditions, though specific care requirements aren’t well-documented in standard horticultural references.
The Bottom Line
While mycelis isn’t necessarily harmful to grow, it’s not actively benefiting local ecosystems either. For gardeners committed to supporting native biodiversity, focusing on indigenous plant alternatives will provide greater ecological value while often being better adapted to local growing conditions. If you’re curious about this plant, consider observing it in naturalized areas rather than introducing it to your cultivated spaces.
Remember, every plant choice in our gardens is an opportunity to support the complex web of life that surrounds us. Choose wisely, and your local pollinators, birds, and soil organisms will thank you!
