Badlands Mule-Ears: A Mysterious Native Perennial for Southwest Gardens
If you’re looking for a unique native plant to add character to your southwestern garden, badlands mule-ears (Scabrethia scabra canescens) might just be the quirky addition you’ve been searching for. This perennial forb brings a touch of the wild badlands right to your backyard, though it remains one of the more mysterious members of the native plant world.
What Is Badlands Mule-Ears?
Badlands mule-ears is a native perennial forb that belongs to the diverse world of herbaceous plants. As a forb, it’s a vascular plant without significant woody tissue above ground—think of it as the garden’s equivalent of a wildflower that comes back year after year. Unlike trees or shrubs, this plant keeps its growing points at or below ground level, allowing it to survive harsh conditions and return each growing season.
Where Does It Call Home?
This native beauty has made itself at home across four southwestern states: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. It’s perfectly adapted to the unique climate and soil conditions of this region, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to work with nature rather than against it.
Why Consider Badlands Mule-Ears for Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons to consider this native perennial:
- True native credentials: As a plant native to the lower 48 states, it supports local ecosystems and requires less water and maintenance than non-native alternatives
- Perennial reliability: Once established, this plant will return year after year, making it a smart long-term investment
- Regional adaptation: It’s naturally suited to southwestern growing conditions
- Low-maintenance appeal: Native plants typically require less fussing once they’re settled in
The Challenge: Limited Information
Here’s where badlands mule-ears gets interesting—and a bit challenging. This plant is somewhat of an enigma in the gardening world. Information about its specific growing requirements, mature size, and care needs is quite limited. This makes it more suitable for adventurous gardeners who enjoy experimenting with lesser-known natives rather than those who prefer well-documented, predictable plants.
Who Should Consider This Plant?
Badlands mule-ears might be perfect for you if:
- You live in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, or Utah
- You’re passionate about growing true native plants
- You enjoy being a plant pioneer and don’t mind some uncertainty
- You have experience with southwestern native plants
- You’re creating a naturalistic or wildland-style garden
A Word of Caution for New Gardeners
If you’re just starting your native plant journey, you might want to begin with better-documented southwestern natives before tackling badlands mule-ears. Consider starting with well-known regional favorites and working your way up to more mysterious species like this one.
The Bottom Line
Badlands mule-ears represents the wild, untamed spirit of the American Southwest. While it may not be the easiest plant to research or grow, it offers the unique satisfaction of cultivating something truly special and regionally appropriate. For experienced native plant enthusiasts in its native range, it could be the perfect addition to a naturalistic garden that celebrates the authentic character of the southwestern landscape.
Just remember: with great mystery comes great gardening adventure. If you’re up for the challenge, badlands mule-ears might just become your garden’s most interesting conversation starter.
