Fivewing Spiderling: A Tiny Native Wildflower with Big Desert Garden Potential
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance native plant that thrives in tough conditions, let me introduce you to the fivewing spiderling (Boerhavia intermedia). This unassuming little annual might not win any beauty contests, but it’s got charm in spades and plays an important role in southwestern ecosystems.
What is Fivewing Spiderling?
Fivewing spiderling is a native annual wildflower that belongs to the four o’clock family. Despite its common name suggesting something spider-related, this plant gets its name from its small, delicate appearance and sprawling growth habit that can remind you of spider legs spreading across the ground. The fivewing part refers to the papery bracts that surround its tiny flowers.
You might also see this plant listed under its synonym Boerhavia erecta var. intermedia in older botanical references, but Boerhavia intermedia is the currently accepted name.
Where Does It Naturally Grow?
This tough little native calls the American Southwest home, naturally occurring across Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. It’s perfectly adapted to the challenging conditions of desert and semi-desert regions, where many other plants would simply give up.
Should You Grow Fivewing Spiderling in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. Fivewing spiderling isn’t your typical showy garden plant, but it has some compelling qualities that might make it worth considering:
Reasons to Plant It:
- Extremely drought tolerant once established
- Attracts small native pollinators like tiny bees and beneficial flies
- Requires virtually no maintenance
- Self-seeds readily for natural garden renewal
- Authentic native plant for regional landscapes
- Helps support local ecosystem diversity
Reasons You Might Pass:
- Flowers are quite small and not particularly showy
- Can look weedy to gardeners preferring formal landscapes
- Annual nature means it dies back each year
- May self-seed more than desired in some gardens
Perfect Garden Settings
Fivewing spiderling shines brightest in naturalistic settings. Consider it for:
- Desert and xeriscape gardens
- Wildflower meadows
- Native plant restoration projects
- Wildlife habitat gardens
- Areas where you want low-maintenance ground coverage
It works particularly well as a filler plant between larger shrubs or as part of a mixed native annual wildflower planting.
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about fivewing spiderling is how easy it is to grow – as long as you give it what it naturally wants:
Ideal Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy or rocky soil preferred
- Water: Low water needs; drought tolerant
- Climate: Thrives in USDA zones 8-11
Planting and Care Tips:
- Direct seed in early spring after last frost
- Scatter seeds on prepared soil surface and lightly rake in
- Water gently until germination occurs
- Once established, water sparingly or rely on natural rainfall
- No fertilizer needed – it actually prefers lean soils
- Allow plants to go to seed if you want natural reseeding
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
Don’t let the small flowers fool you – fivewing spiderling is a valuable resource for wildlife. Its tiny blooms attract small native bees, flies, and other beneficial insects that are often overlooked but play crucial roles in pollination networks. The plant also provides seeds for small birds and can offer shelter for beneficial insects.
The Bottom Line
Fivewing spiderling won’t be the star of your garden show, but it’s an honest, hardworking native plant that asks for little and gives back to the local ecosystem. If you’re creating a natural desert landscape, supporting native pollinators, or simply want to try growing authentic regional flora, this little annual deserves a spot in your garden.
Just remember: beauty in native gardening sometimes comes in small, subtle packages. Fivewing spiderling is proof that even the most unassuming plants can play important roles in creating thriving, sustainable landscapes.
