Anil Falso: Arizona’s Lesser-Known Native Shrub
Meet anil falso (Coursetia caribaea var. sericea), one of Arizona’s more mysterious native plants that you’ve probably never heard of – and honestly, you’re not alone! This perennial shrub is like that quiet neighbor who keeps to themselves but might just surprise you if you take the time to get acquainted.
What Exactly Is Anil Falso?
Anil falso is a native shrub that calls Arizona home, though it’s not exactly rolling out the welcome mat for gardeners everywhere. As a member of the legume family, this multi-stemmed woody plant typically stays under 13-16 feet tall, making it a manageable addition to landscapes – if you can find it, that is.
The plant goes by a few scientific aliases, including Cracca edwardsii var. sericea and Cracca sericea, which might explain why information about it feels a bit scattered. It’s like the plant equivalent of an actor who’s been in everything but under different stage names.
Where Does It Grow?
This Arizona native has a rather exclusive address – you’ll only find it naturally occurring in the Grand Canyon State. It’s not exactly spreading its wings across the continent, preferring to stay put in its southwestern comfort zone.
Should You Plant Anil Falso?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While anil falso has the excellent credential of being a true Arizona native, it’s also something of an enigma in the gardening world. Information about its growing requirements, care needs, and even its appearance is surprisingly limited.
If you’re drawn to rare and unusual natives, this plant might intrigue you. However, the lack of readily available information suggests it’s not commonly cultivated, which could mean:
- It may have specific growing requirements that haven’t been well-documented
- Seeds or plants might be difficult to source
- Its garden performance is largely untested
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing requirements for anil falso remain largely unknown in cultivation. As an Arizona native shrub, it likely prefers:
- Well-draining soil (most Arizona natives do)
- Full sun to partial shade
- Low water requirements once established
- Hot, arid conditions
However, these are educated guesses based on its native habitat rather than proven cultivation advice.
The Bottom Line
Anil falso represents one of those fascinating native plants that exist in the gaps of our gardening knowledge. While its native status makes it theoretically valuable for Arizona landscapes, the lack of cultivation information makes it a challenging choice for most gardeners.
If you’re an adventurous gardener interested in experimenting with rare natives, you might consider reaching out to native plant societies, botanical gardens, or university extension programs in Arizona for more specific information. Just remember that pioneering with lesser-known plants means you’ll be writing your own care manual as you go!
For more reliable native Arizona shrubs with similar characteristics, consider alternatives like fairy duster (Calliandra eriophylla) or desert broom (Baccharis sarothroides), which offer proven performance and easier availability.
