Goodding’s Tansyaster: A Lesser-Known Native Wildflower Worth Discovering
If you’re looking to add some authentic western charm to your native plant garden, you might want to get acquainted with Goodding’s tansyaster (Machaeranthera pinnatifida gooddingii). This perennial wildflower is one of those hidden gems of the American Southwest that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in gardening circles.
What Makes Goodding’s Tansyaster Special?
Goodding’s tansyaster is a true native of the lower 48 states, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to support local ecosystems. As a perennial forb, this plant comes back year after year without the woody stems of shrubs or trees. Instead, it keeps its growing points at or below ground level, making it well-adapted to challenging conditions.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This hardy native calls home to six western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, and Utah. That’s quite a range, stretching from the desert Southwest all the way to the Great Plains!
- Species observed
- No observations
Should You Plant Goodding’s Tansyaster?
Here’s where things get a bit interesting. Goodding’s tansyaster has a Global Conservation Status of S5T3T4, which suggests it may face some conservation concerns. This means if you do decide to grow it, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting your plants or seeds from reputable, responsible sources that don’t harm wild populations.
The good news? By growing this native in your garden, you’re actually helping to preserve it for future generations while supporting the wildlife that depends on native plants.
Garden Design and Landscape Role
As a perennial forb, Goodding’s tansyaster works beautifully in:
- Native plant gardens
- Wildflower meadows
- Water-wise landscapes
- Natural areas that need restoration
- Pollinator gardens (native plants are typically excellent for local pollinators)
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing information for this particular subspecies is limited in readily available sources. However, based on its native range across diverse western landscapes, Goodding’s tansyaster likely prefers:
- Well-draining soils
- Full sun to partial shade
- Low to moderate water once established
- Minimal fertilization (native plants typically prefer lean soils)
The Bottom Line
Goodding’s tansyaster represents the kind of native plant that deserves more recognition in home landscapes. While specific growing information can be hard to come by, its wide natural range suggests it’s adaptable and resilient. If you can source it responsibly, it could be a wonderful addition to a native plant collection.
Just remember: when dealing with plants that have conservation concerns, always purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their own stock rather than wild-collecting. Your garden can be part of the conservation solution!