Paddo Rockcress: A Pacific Northwest Native Worth Knowing
Meet Paddo rockcress (Arabis lemmonii var. paddoensis), a lesser-known gem from the mustard family that calls the Pacific Northwest home. This perennial forb might not be the flashiest plant in your garden center, but it’s got that quiet charm that native plant enthusiasts absolutely adore.
What Makes Paddo Rockcress Special?
As a native species to the lower 48 states, Paddo rockcress has been quietly thriving in its natural habitat long before any of us thought about landscaping. This perennial forb—which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody plant that comes back year after year—brings authentic Pacific Northwest character to your garden.
Where Does It Call Home?
Paddo rockcress is naturally found in Oregon and Washington, making it a true child of the Pacific Northwest. If you’re gardening in this region, you’re working with a plant that already knows the neighborhood!
Should You Plant Paddo Rockcress?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit mysterious). Paddo rockcress is one of those plants that doesn’t show up in every gardening guide or plant database. This could mean a few things:
- It might be quite rare in the wild
- It could be very localized to specific habitats
- It may simply be under-documented in horticultural circles
Because of this uncertainty, if you’re interested in growing Paddo rockcress, I’d strongly recommend sourcing it only from reputable native plant nurseries that can verify its origins. Never collect plants from the wild—especially ones that might be uncommon.
Growing Paddo Rockcress: The Mystery Garden Challenge
Unfortunately, specific growing information for this particular variety is quite limited. As a member of the rockcress family, it likely prefers:
- Well-draining soil (most rockcresses hate wet feet)
- Rocky or gravelly conditions
- Some sun exposure
- Cool, moist winters typical of the Pacific Northwest
However, these are educated guesses based on its relatives rather than specific knowledge about Paddo rockcress itself.
The Bottom Line
Paddo rockcress represents one of those intriguing native plants that reminds us how much we still don’t know about our local flora. While it’s certainly a legitimate native species, the lack of readily available information suggests it might be quite specialized in its habitat needs or naturally uncommon.
If you’re drawn to this plant, your best bet is to contact local native plant societies in Oregon or Washington, or reach out to botanical gardens in the region. They might have more specific information about this elusive variety and whether it’s appropriate for home cultivation.
In the meantime, consider other well-documented Pacific Northwest natives like Oregon sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum) or western columbine (Aquilegia formosa) that can provide similar regional authenticity with more reliable growing information.
