Cockroachplant: A Lesser-Known Native Shrub for Southwestern Gardens
If you’re looking to expand your native plant palette in the American Southwest, you might want to get acquainted with cockroachplant (Haplophyton crooksii). Don’t let the name put you off – this native shrub has nothing to do with the creepy crawlies you’re thinking of! This perennial member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) is a true southwestern native that deserves more attention from adventurous gardeners.
What Is Cockroachplant?
Cockroachplant is a native perennial shrub that naturally occurs across parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. As a multi-stemmed woody plant, it typically grows less than 13-16 feet in height, though it usually stays much smaller under normal garden conditions. Like many shrubs, it develops several stems from or near ground level, creating a bushy growth form.
This plant is native to the lower 48 states, making it an excellent choice for gardeners committed to supporting local ecosystems and wildlife. Its geographic range spans across the southwestern United States, where it has adapted to the unique growing conditions of this arid region.
Why Consider Cockroachplant for Your Garden?
As a native species, cockroachplant offers several compelling reasons to include it in your landscape:
- True Native Status: Being indigenous to the Southwest means it’s perfectly adapted to local climate conditions
- Low Maintenance Potential: Native plants typically require less water and care once established
- Ecosystem Support: Native plants provide better habitat and food sources for local wildlife
- Unique Addition: This lesser-known native can add diversity to your plant palette
The Reality Check: Limited Information Available
Here’s where we need to be honest – cockroachplant is one of those native species that hasn’t received much attention from the gardening world. While we know it’s a legitimate native shrub with the scientific name Haplophyton crooksii (and some botanical synonyms), detailed growing information is surprisingly scarce.
We don’t have readily available information about its specific growing conditions, USDA hardiness zones, pollinator benefits, or detailed care requirements. This makes it a bit of a mystery plant for most gardeners.
Should You Plant It?
The lack of detailed growing information presents both a challenge and an opportunity. If you’re an adventurous gardener who enjoys experimenting with lesser-known natives, cockroachplant could be an interesting addition to your collection. However, if you prefer plants with well-documented care requirements, you might want to stick with better-known southwestern natives.
Since it’s native to arid southwestern regions, it likely prefers:
- Well-draining soils
- Full to partial sun exposure
- Low to moderate water requirements once established
- Protection from extreme cold if you’re on the edge of its range
Alternative Native Options
If you’re drawn to the idea of native southwestern shrubs but want something with more established growing information, consider these well-documented alternatives:
- Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
- Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa)
- Chuparosa (Justicia californica)
- Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata)
The Bottom Line
Cockroachplant represents one of those intriguing native species that could use more attention from both researchers and gardeners. While its native status makes it theoretically perfect for southwestern landscapes, the lack of specific growing information means you’d be pioneering its use in cultivation.
If you do decide to try growing cockroachplant, source it responsibly from native plant nurseries and be prepared to experiment with its care requirements. Document your experiences – you might just become one of the first gardeners to really understand how to successfully cultivate this interesting native shrub!
