Catnip Noseburn: A Lesser-Known Native Southwestern Wildflower
If you’re exploring native plants for your southwestern garden, you might have stumbled across the intriguingly named catnip noseburn (Tragia nepetifolia var. dissecta). This native perennial forb calls the American Southwest home, but don’t let its quirky common name fool you—this plant deserves a closer look for gardeners interested in truly local flora.
What Is Catnip Noseburn?
Catnip noseburn is a perennial forb, meaning it’s a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. As a member of the diverse world of native wildflowers, it belongs to a group of plants that form the backbone of natural ecosystems. Unlike shrubs or trees, forbs like catnip noseburn don’t develop significant woody tissue above ground, instead storing their energy in underground structures that help them survive through challenging seasons.
Where Does It Grow?
This native beauty has a relatively limited natural range, calling just two states home: Arizona and New Mexico. Its restricted distribution makes it a truly regional specialty—a plant that’s perfectly adapted to the unique conditions of the southwestern United States.
Should You Grow Catnip Noseburn in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting—and a bit challenging. While catnip noseburn is undeniably a legitimate native plant with every right to be in a southwestern native garden, information about this specific variety is surprisingly scarce in gardening and horticultural resources. This presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the adventurous native plant gardener.
The Case for Growing It:
- It’s genuinely native to the Southwest, supporting local ecosystem health
- As a perennial, it provides lasting value in the garden
- Its rarity in cultivation makes it a conversation starter for native plant enthusiasts
- Supporting lesser-known native species helps preserve biodiversity
The Challenges:
- Limited availability from nurseries or seed suppliers
- Scarce information about specific growing requirements
- Unknown garden performance and aesthetic qualities
- Potential difficulty in sourcing responsibly collected material
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing information for Tragia nepetifolia var. dissecta is not readily available in standard horticultural references. This likely reflects its status as a plant that hasn’t made the leap from wild spaces into mainstream native gardening culture. If you’re determined to try growing this plant, your best bet would be to:
- Study its natural habitat conditions in Arizona and New Mexico
- Consult with local native plant societies or botanical gardens
- Connect with regional native seed suppliers who might have experience with the species
- Start with small trials to understand its garden behavior
Alternative Native Options
If catnip noseburn proves too elusive or challenging to source, consider these well-established native southwestern alternatives that offer proven garden performance:
- Desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata)
- Chocolate flower (Berlandiera lyrata)
- Ghost plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense)
- Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa)
The Bottom Line
Catnip noseburn represents an intriguing piece of southwestern native flora that hasn’t yet found its place in mainstream native gardening. While its native status makes it theoretically desirable for regional gardens, the practical challenges of sourcing and growing it might make it better suited for dedicated native plant collectors or restoration projects rather than typical home landscapes.
If you do manage to obtain and successfully grow this plant, you’ll be contributing valuable knowledge to the native gardening community—and you’ll definitely have one of the most unusual conversation pieces in your neighborhood!
