Okanogan fameflower (Phemeranthus sediformis)is a native herbaceous perennial found in a small area from north central Washington State through the south central Interior of BC (to just north of Kamloops). It is a fleshy plant growing from a thick, branched taproot. Stems spread out, cushion-like. Small white – pink flowers form at the ends of the stems, appearing on sunny days, but close up and drop off at night. The flowers are small, but showy.
Fameflower is found on rocky, exposed slopes, most often on exposed ridges in our area. It is easily transplanted from gravelly slopes to the home garden, but needs to be planted in a sunny and dry location (like a south-facing rockery). We have done this and it has flourished for a number of years.
Our fameflower is planted into rock crevices with a south-facing unshaded aspect. It starts to flower in June and lasts through the summer. It needs little to no care.
The location for this native wildflower is usually in a remote and difficult-to-get-to location so we simply carry a hand spade and a ziploc in the backpack. It has handled this procedure very well (similar to Lewis and Clark’s experience with bitterroot) so we may be adding more to our garden.
