Fendler’s Drymary: A Lesser-Known Native Annual Worth Discovering
If you’re a native plant enthusiast always on the lookout for something a bit different, let me introduce you to Fendler’s drymary (Drymaria glandulosa). This unassuming little annual might not be the showstopper of your garden, but it’s got that quiet charm that makes native plant lovers take a second look.
What Exactly Is Fendler’s Drymary?
Fendler’s drymary is a native annual forb – basically a soft-stemmed, non-woody plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. You might also see it listed under its synonym, Drymaria fendleri, in older botanical references. As a forb, it’s got that delicate, herbaceous quality that adds texture and natural movement to garden spaces.
Where You’ll Find It Growing Wild
This little native calls the American Southwest home, specifically Arizona and New Mexico. It’s perfectly adapted to life in these desert and semi-arid regions, which gives us some clues about what it might need in our gardens.
Should You Grow Fendler’s Drymary?
Here’s the honest truth – Fendler’s drymary is one of those plants that flies completely under the radar in the horticultural world. While it’s a legitimate native species with potential garden value, you won’t find much information about growing it, and you’ll have an even harder time finding seeds or plants for sale.
That said, if you’re the type of gardener who loves supporting truly native species and doesn’t mind a bit of mystery and experimentation, this could be an interesting addition to your collection. Since it’s an annual, you’re not making a long-term commitment if it doesn’t work out.
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing information for Fendler’s drymary is scarce, we can make some educated guesses based on its native habitat:
- Likely prefers well-draining soils (most desert natives do)
- Probably drought-tolerant once established
- May need full sun to partial shade
- Being an annual, it will complete its life cycle in one season
- Best suited for USDA zones where Arizona and New Mexico natives thrive
The Reality Check
Let’s be real – if you’re looking for a reliable, well-documented native plant with proven garden performance, Fendler’s drymary might not be your best bet. The lack of available information and plant material makes it more of a botanist’s curiosity than a gardener’s go-to.
Instead, you might consider other well-known Southwest natives like desert marigold, brittlebush, or penstemon species that offer similar native credentials with much better garden documentation and availability.
The Bottom Line
Fendler’s drymary represents one of those fascinating native plants that exists in that sweet spot between wild and cultivated. While it may not be the easiest plant to grow or find, it’s a reminder that our native flora includes countless species beyond the usual suspects we see in native plant nurseries.
If you’re lucky enough to encounter this little forb in the wild during your Southwest travels, take a moment to appreciate it for what it is – a perfectly adapted native that’s been quietly doing its thing in the desert for generations, whether we gardeners pay attention to it or not.
