Saussurea: A Mysterious Non-Native Plant That’s Probably Not for Your Garden
Ever stumbled across a plant name that sounds intriguing but leaves you scratching your head? Meet Saussurea amara, commonly known simply as saussurea. This perennial forb has an air of mystery about it – and not necessarily in a good way for gardeners looking to make thoughtful planting choices.
What Exactly Is Saussurea?
Saussurea amara is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). As a forb, it’s a non-woody plant that dies back to the ground each winter but returns from its roots the following spring. Think of it as the plant equivalent of that acquaintance who shows up occasionally but never really sticks around for long.
The Not-So-Native Story
Here’s where things get interesting – and not in a way that makes this plant particularly garden-worthy. Saussurea amara is classified as a waif species in Canada, which is botanical speak for a plant that was introduced but hasn’t managed to establish permanent, self-sustaining populations. It’s been spotted in Alberta, but it’s essentially a botanical tourist rather than a permanent resident.
This non-native status should give gardeners pause. While we don’t have definitive information about its invasive potential, introducing non-native species can sometimes lead to unexpected ecological consequences.
The Information Gap Problem
One of the biggest red flags with Saussurea amara is the striking lack of available information about its cultivation needs, growth habits, and ecological impacts. We don’t know:
- Its preferred growing conditions
- How tall or wide it grows
- Its hardiness zones
- Whether it benefits pollinators or wildlife
- Its invasive potential
- How to propagate or care for it
When a plant species has this many question marks surrounding it, it’s generally not a wise choice for home gardeners.
Why You Probably Shouldn’t Plant Saussurea
While saussurea isn’t definitively labeled as invasive or noxious, its non-native status combined with the lack of cultivation information makes it a poor choice for several reasons:
- Unknown ecological impacts on local ecosystems
- No proven benefits for native wildlife or pollinators
- Lack of cultivation guidance makes successful growing unlikely
- Takes up space that could be used for beneficial native plants
Better Alternatives: Native Plants That Actually Help
Instead of rolling the dice with saussurea, consider these native alternatives that provide real benefits to your garden and local ecosystem:
- Wild bergamot – A native mint family member that attracts beneficial insects
- Purple coneflower – Stunning blooms and excellent for pollinators
- Black-eyed Susan – Cheerful yellow flowers and supports native wildlife
- Native asters – Late-season bloomers that feed migrating butterflies
The Bottom Line
Saussurea amara falls into that category of plants that are neither clearly beneficial nor clearly harmful – they’re just… there. And in a world where every garden space is precious and every plant choice matters for local ecosystems, just there isn’t really good enough.
Your garden is an opportunity to support native wildlife, create beauty, and contribute positively to your local environment. With so many wonderful native alternatives available, there’s really no compelling reason to choose a mysterious non-native waif over plants with proven track records of success and ecological benefit.
Sometimes the best gardening advice is knowing when to say no – and Saussurea amara is one of those times.
