Brickellbush (Asanthus): Unraveling a Garden Mystery
If you’ve stumbled across the name Asanthus while researching native plants for your garden, you’re not alone in feeling a bit puzzled. This botanical name has appeared in some plant databases, but here’s the thing – it seems to be a bit of a mystery in the plant world.
The Name Game: What’s in a Botanical Name?
According to available data, Asanthus goes by the common name brickellbush and is described as a perennial, low-growing shrub that stays under 1.5 feet tall and never exceeds 3 feet at maturity. The information suggests it’s native to the lower 48 states, specifically found in Arizona and New Mexico.
Where It’s Supposed to Grow
The geographic distribution data points to the American Southwest, particularly Arizona and New Mexico. This would make sense for a drought-tolerant native plant adapted to arid conditions.
The Plot Thickens: A Botanical Detective Story
Here’s where things get interesting (and a little frustrating for us plant nerds). After digging deep into botanical databases and scientific literature, Asanthus doesn’t appear to be a currently recognized genus name. This could mean a few things:
- It might be an outdated or invalid botanical name that’s been reclassified
- It could be a misspelling of another genus
- The plant might have been moved to a different genus entirely
What This Means for Your Garden
If you’re specifically looking for a brickellbush, you might actually be thinking of plants in the genus Brickellia, which are indeed native to the American Southwest and match many of the characteristics described. Brickellia species are wonderful native shrubs that offer:
- Drought tolerance perfect for xeriscaping
- Low-maintenance growth habits
- Native wildlife benefits
- Adaptability to poor soils
A Gardener’s Next Steps
If you’re interested in adding a true southwestern native brickellbush to your landscape, I’d recommend:
- Looking into Brickellia species native to your area
- Checking with local native plant societies for recommendations
- Visiting native plant nurseries that specialize in regional flora
- Consulting extension services in Arizona or New Mexico for specific varieties
The Takeaway
While the mysterious Asanthus might not be the clear-cut plant choice we initially hoped for, this little botanical puzzle actually highlights something important: the value of working with reputable native plant sources and double-checking plant names before making garden investments.
Don’t let this discourage you from exploring native southwestern plants, though! The region offers incredible drought-tolerant shrubs that could be exactly what your landscape needs. Sometimes the best garden discoveries come from following these unexpected detours in our plant research.
