Creeping Spiderling: A Humble Native Ground Cover for Desert Gardens
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance native plant that thrives in challenging conditions, let me introduce you to creeping spiderling (Boerhavia spicata). This unassuming annual might not win any beauty contests, but it’s got some serious staying power in tough spots where other plants throw in the towel.
What Is Creeping Spiderling?
Creeping spiderling is a native annual plant that belongs to the four o’clock family. You might also see it listed under its former scientific name, Boerhavia torreyana, but don’t let that confuse you – it’s the same hardy little plant. True to its common name, this ground-hugger spreads along the earth with a prostrate growth habit, creating a living carpet of small, oval leaves.
Where Does It Call Home?
This southwestern native has made itself at home across Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. It’s perfectly adapted to the hot, dry conditions of the American Southwest, where it grows naturally in desert washes, sandy flats, and rocky slopes.
Why Consider Creeping Spiderling for Your Garden?
While creeping spiderling might not be the showiest plant in your garden, it brings some valuable qualities to the table:
- Extremely drought tolerant once established
- Requires virtually no maintenance
- Provides ground cover in difficult areas
- Supports small native pollinators like bees and flies
- Self-seeds readily for natural garden expansion
- Thrives in poor, sandy, or rocky soils where other plants struggle
What to Expect: Size and Appearance
Don’t expect dramatic height from this ground-hugger. Creeping spiderling stays low to the ground, typically reaching only a few inches tall while spreading outward. The small, inconspicuous flowers range from white to pale pink and appear along the stems throughout the growing season. While the blooms are tiny, they’re perfectly sized for small native pollinators.
Perfect Garden Settings
Creeping spiderling shines in specific garden situations:
- Desert and xeriscape gardens
- Rock gardens and gravelly areas
- Naturalized wildflower areas
- Difficult spots with poor soil
- Areas where you want minimal maintenance ground cover
Growing Conditions and Care
This is where creeping spiderling really shows off – it’s about as low-maintenance as plants get. Here’s what it needs to thrive:
Sunlight: Full sun is essential. This desert native won’t tolerate shade.
Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial. Sandy, rocky, or gravelly soils are perfect. Heavy clay or constantly moist soil will likely kill it.
Water: Once established, it’s extremely drought tolerant. In fact, too much water can be harmful.
Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 7-10, making it suitable for most southwestern gardens.
Planting and Establishment Tips
Getting creeping spiderling started in your garden is refreshingly simple:
- Direct seed in spring after the last frost
- Scatter seeds over prepared soil and lightly rake in
- Water gently until germination occurs
- Once established, reduce watering significantly
- Allow plants to self-seed for natural spread
Since it’s an annual, creeping spiderling completes its life cycle in one growing season. However, if you let it go to seed, you’ll likely have new plants appearing the following year.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While the flowers might be small, they’re valuable food sources for tiny native bees and flies. These small pollinators often get overlooked, but they play important roles in desert ecosystems. By including creeping spiderling in your native garden, you’re supporting these often-forgotten beneficial insects.
The Bottom Line
Creeping spiderling won’t be the star of your garden, but it’s an excellent supporting player. If you’re creating a water-wise landscape, need ground cover for challenging spots, or want to support native pollinators with minimal effort, this humble native deserves consideration. It’s particularly valuable for gardeners in the Southwest who want to work with their natural climate rather than against it.
Sometimes the most valuable plants in our gardens are the quiet, undemanding ones that just get on with the business of growing. Creeping spiderling is definitely one of those plants – and your water bill will thank you for it.
