Hairy-Tuft Four O’Clock: A Southwest Native Worth Discovering
If you’re exploring native plants for your southwestern garden, you might stumble upon the intriguingly named hairy-tuft four o’clock (Mirabilis comata). This lesser-known member of the four o’clock family offers gardeners a chance to grow something truly unique and native to the American Southwest.
What is Hairy-Tuft Four O’Clock?
Mirabilis comata is a native perennial forb that calls the southwestern United States home. As a forb, it’s an herbaceous plant without woody stems above ground – think of it as nature’s way of creating a plant that’s sturdy enough to survive harsh conditions but flexible enough to bounce back year after year.
You might also encounter this plant listed under its botanical synonyms Allionia comata or Oxybaphus comatus in older gardening references, but Mirabilis comata is the current accepted name.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This native beauty has a relatively limited natural range, growing wild in Colorado and New Mexico. Its restricted distribution makes it a special addition for gardeners in these regions who want to support truly local flora.
Should You Plant Hairy-Tuft Four O’Clock?
As with many specialized native plants, hairy-tuft four o’clock isn’t as well-documented as some of its showier cousins in the four o’clock family. However, this doesn’t diminish its value – it just means you’ll be part of a select group of gardeners growing something genuinely uncommon.
Here’s what makes it appealing:
- It’s a true native to Colorado and New Mexico
- As a perennial, it will return year after year once established
- Its herbaceous nature means it won’t overwhelm your garden with woody growth
- You’ll be supporting local ecosystem biodiversity
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing requirements for Mirabilis comata are not extensively documented, we can make educated assumptions based on its native habitat and family characteristics. Most four o’clocks are remarkably adaptable plants that thrive in challenging conditions.
Given its southwestern native status, this plant likely prefers:
- Well-draining soil (essential for most desert and semi-arid natives)
- Full sun to partial shade
- Minimal supplemental watering once established
- USDA hardiness zones appropriate for Colorado and New Mexico climates
The Reality of Growing Rare Natives
Here’s the honest truth: hairy-tuft four o’clock isn’t widely available in nurseries, and detailed growing guides are scarce. This plant represents the frontier of native gardening – species that are ecologically important but haven’t yet made it into mainstream horticulture.
If you’re interested in growing it, your best bet is to:
- Contact native plant societies in Colorado or New Mexico
- Look for specialized native plant nurseries in its native range
- Connect with botanical gardens or universities studying southwestern flora
- Consider it for naturalized areas rather than formal garden beds
The Bottom Line
Mirabilis comata represents the exciting challenge of true native gardening – working with plants that haven’t been domesticated for garden use. While it may not be the easiest plant to find or grow, it offers the satisfaction of supporting genuine local biodiversity.
If you can’t locate hairy-tuft four o’clock, consider exploring other native Mirabilis species or southwestern natives that are more readily available. Every native plant in your garden is a step toward supporting your local ecosystem, even if it’s not this particular hidden gem.
Remember, the most rewarding gardens often include a mix of reliable favorites and exciting discoveries – and hairy-tuft four o’clock definitely falls into the discovery category!
