Stickystem Penstemon: A Rare Washington Native Worth Protecting
Meet the stickystem penstemon (Penstemon glandulosus var. chelanensis), one of Washington’s botanical treasures that’s flying under the radar. This perennial wildflower might not be a household name, but for native plant enthusiasts and conservation-minded gardeners, it represents something special: a piece of the Pacific Northwest’s unique natural heritage.
What Makes This Plant Special?
The stickystem penstemon is what botanists call a forb—essentially a non-woody perennial that dies back to the ground each winter and reemerges in spring. As a member of the penstemon family, it likely produces the characteristic tubular flowers that make these plants so beloved by pollinators, though specific details about this particular variety are scarce in the scientific literature.
Where You’ll Find It in the Wild
This plant is a true Washington native, found only within the state’s borders. The variety name chelanensis suggests a connection to the Chelan area, making it one of those special plants that call a very specific corner of the world home.
- Species observed
- No observations
The Conservation Story
Here’s where things get serious: the stickystem penstemon has a Global Conservation Status of S4T1T3, which indicates it ranges from rare to critically imperiled. This means that in the wild, populations are small, restricted, or declining. For gardeners, this presents both an opportunity and a responsibility.
Should You Grow Stickystem Penstemon?
If you’re passionate about native plants and conservation, this could be a meaningful addition to your garden—but only if you can source it responsibly. Here’s what to consider:
- Never collect plants from the wild
- Only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their own stock
- Consider it a conservation effort rather than just gardening
- Be prepared for limited availability due to its rarity
Growing Challenges and Unknowns
Unfortunately, specific growing information for this variety is extremely limited. Most of what we know comes from its classification as a perennial forb and its Washington origins. This means:
- Hardiness zones are not well documented
- Specific soil and water preferences are unknown
- Mature size and growth rate information is scarce
- Propagation methods haven’t been well studied
The Bottom Line
The stickystem penstemon represents the fascinating world of rare native plants that exist right under our noses. While its rarity makes it challenging to grow and study, that same rarity makes it incredibly valuable from a conservation perspective. If you’re an experienced native plant gardener with access to responsibly sourced plants, growing this species could contribute to its preservation.
For most gardeners, though, focusing on other Washington native penstemons might be more practical while still supporting local ecosystems. Sometimes the best way to appreciate a rare plant is to protect its wild habitat and celebrate the common natives that are more readily available for our gardens.