Siberian Sea Rosemary: A Mysterious Non-Native Perennial
Ever stumbled across a plant name that sounds intriguing but leaves you scratching your head when you try to learn more about it? Meet Siberian sea rosemary (Argusia sibirica), a perennial that’s as mysterious as its name suggests. This non-native species has found its way to Oregon, but don’t expect to find it at your local nursery anytime soon.
What’s in a Name?
Siberian sea rosemary goes by the botanical name Argusia sibirica, though plant taxonomists have shuffled it around a bit over the years. You might also see it listed under its synonyms Messerschmidia sibirica or Tournefortia sibirica in older references. The Siberian part of its common name gives us a pretty good clue about where this plant originally calls home.
Where You’ll Find It (Or Won’t)
Here’s where things get interesting – and by interesting, I mean puzzling. Argusia sibirica is documented as growing in Oregon, where it’s managed to establish itself and reproduce without human intervention. However, this plant is about as elusive as a unicorn in most gardening circles.
The Native Status Situation
Let’s be clear from the get-go: Siberian sea rosemary is not a native North American plant. It’s what botanists call an introduced species that has naturalized in the wild. While it’s not currently flagged as invasive or noxious, the lack of detailed information about its behavior and impact makes it a bit of a wild card.
Should You Grow It?
Here’s where I have to be honest with you – there’s remarkably little information available about growing Siberian sea rosemary in home gardens. We don’t know much about:
- Its preferred growing conditions
- USDA hardiness zones
- Mature size and growth habits
- Care requirements
- Benefits to pollinators or wildlife
This lack of information isn’t necessarily a red flag, but it does mean you’d be gardening in uncharted territory. Without knowing how aggressive or well-behaved this plant is, it’s hard to recommend it for home landscapes.
Better Alternatives for Oregon Gardeners
If you’re drawn to the idea of a perennial with an exotic-sounding name, consider these fantastic native Oregon alternatives instead:
- Oregon sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum) – a cheerful native perennial with yellow daisy-like flowers
- Western columbine (Aquilegia formosa) – elegant native with distinctive spurred flowers
- Pacific ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) – a native shrub with clusters of white flowers
The Bottom Line
Siberian sea rosemary remains something of an enigma in the gardening world. While it’s established itself in Oregon’s wild spaces, the lack of cultivation information and its non-native status make it a questionable choice for home gardens. When in doubt, especially with non-native species, it’s usually best to stick with well-documented native plants that support local ecosystems and come with tried-and-true growing advice.
Sometimes the most responsible gardening choice is simply saying I’ll pass and choosing a plant that’s both better understood and better suited to supporting the local environment. Your garden – and Oregon’s native wildlife – will thank you for it.
