Sticky False Pimpernel: A Little-Known Tropical Annual
If you’ve stumbled across the name sticky false pimpernel in your plant research, you’ve discovered one of the lesser-known members of the plantain family. Lindernia viscosa is a small annual forb that has quietly made its home in parts of the Pacific Basin, though it remains relatively mysterious compared to its more famous plant cousins.
What is Sticky False Pimpernel?
Sticky false pimpernel is an annual herbaceous plant, meaning it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season and lacks the woody stems of shrubs and trees. As a forb, it produces soft, green growth that dies back completely each year. The sticky part of its common name likely refers to some surface texture or sap quality, though detailed descriptions of this characteristic are limited in available literature.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant has an interesting geographic story. While it’s considered non-native to the Pacific Basin (excluding Hawaii), sticky false pimpernel has established itself in Guam and Palau, where it now reproduces on its own without human intervention. This means it has successfully adapted to local conditions and persists in the wild.
Native Status and Garden Considerations
Here’s where things get a bit complicated for gardeners. Since Lindernia viscosa is non-native to the regions where it’s currently found, and we don’t have clear information about its invasive potential, it occupies a gray area in terms of garden recommendations. It’s neither clearly beneficial nor clearly problematic.
For gardeners in Guam, Palau, or similar tropical locations, this plant represents a naturalized part of the local flora. However, if you’re looking to create an ecologically beneficial garden, you might want to consider native alternatives that provide known benefits to local wildlife and pollinators.
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, detailed growing information for sticky false pimpernel is quite limited. Based on what we know about related plants in the Lindernia genus, it likely prefers:
- Moist soil conditions
- Tropical or subtropical climates
- Areas with regular rainfall or irrigation
- Partial shade to full sun
As an annual, it would need to reseed each year to maintain a presence in your garden, assuming conditions are suitable for germination and growth.
Garden Role and Landscape Value
Sticky false pimpernel isn’t likely to be a showstopper in your landscape design. As a small forb with inconspicuous flowers, it’s more suited to naturalized areas, wildflower meadows, or spaces where you’re encouraging diverse plant communities rather than formal ornamental displays.
If you’re creating a garden that mimics natural ecosystems, this plant might fit into mixed plantings where various small herbaceous species create a tapestry of textures and forms.
The Bottom Line
Sticky false pimpernel falls into the category of plants that are more interesting from a botanical perspective than a horticultural one. While it’s not necessarily harmful to grow, there’s limited information about its garden performance, care requirements, or ecological benefits.
For most gardeners, especially those interested in supporting local ecosystems, focusing on well-documented native plants would likely provide better results and clearer environmental benefits. If you’re in an area where this plant grows naturally and you’re curious about it, observe it in the wild first to understand its growth habits and ecological relationships before considering it for cultivation.
Remember, successful gardening often comes down to choosing plants that are well-suited to your specific conditions and goals – and sometimes that means appreciating interesting species like sticky false pimpernel from a distance while cultivating better-known alternatives in your own space.
