Matted Crinklemat: A Hardy Native Ground Cover for Desert Gardens
If you’re looking for a tough, low-maintenance ground cover that thrives in harsh desert conditions, matted crinklemat (Tiquilia latior) might just be your new best friend. This unassuming little perennial herb packs a punch when it comes to surviving in some of the most challenging growing conditions the American Southwest can dish out.
What is Matted Crinklemat?
Matted crinklemat is a native perennial herb that forms dense, carpet-like mats close to the ground. Despite its humble appearance, this hardy little plant has earned its place in the challenging desert ecosystems of the American Southwest. As a forb herb, it lacks woody tissue but makes up for it with remarkable resilience and drought tolerance.
You might also encounter this plant listed under its former scientific name, Coldenia hispidissima var. latior, in older gardening references or plant databases.
Where Does It Come From?
This native beauty calls the southwestern United States home, naturally occurring across Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. It’s perfectly adapted to the desert and semi-desert regions of these states, where it has learned to thrive in conditions that would make most garden plants wilt and surrender.
A Note About Conservation
Before we dive into growing tips, it’s important to know that matted crinklemat has a conservation status that suggests it may face some population pressures in the wild. If you’re interested in growing this plant, please make sure to source it from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their stock rather than wild-collecting. By growing it in our gardens, we can actually help support conservation efforts!
Why Choose Matted Crinklemat for Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons to consider adding this native ground cover to your landscape:
- Ultimate drought tolerance: Once established, this plant laughs in the face of drought conditions
- Low maintenance: Perfect for gardeners who want beauty without the fuss
- Native wildlife support: The small flowers attract native bees and other beneficial pollinators
- Unique texture: The crinkled, hairy leaves add interesting texture to garden designs
- Conservation value: You’ll be growing a plant that supports local ecosystems
Garden Design Ideas
Matted crinklemat shines in several landscape applications:
- Xeriscape gardens: Perfect as a water-wise ground cover
- Rock gardens: Tucks beautifully between stones and boulders
- Desert-themed landscapes: Adds authentic native character
- Naturalized areas: Great for recreating native habitat in larger spaces
Growing Conditions and Care
The beauty of matted crinklemat lies in its simplicity. Here’s what this desert native needs to thrive:
Hardiness and Climate
This tough little plant can handle USDA hardiness zones 5-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates beyond just the hottest deserts.
Sun and Soil Requirements
Give your matted crinklemat:
- Full sun: This plant loves basking in bright sunlight all day long
- Well-draining soil: Sandy or rocky soils work best – think desert conditions
- Good drainage: The number one killer of this plant is soggy soil
Watering Wisdom
Here’s where matted crinklemat really shines – it’s incredibly drought tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently during the first growing season to help roots establish, then step back and let nature take over. Overwatering is far more dangerous to this plant than underwatering.
Size and Growth
Expect your matted crinklemat to stay low and spread slowly, forming those characteristic dense mats that give it its common name. It’s not going to take over your garden overnight, but it will gradually fill in designated spaces with patient persistence.
Seasonal Interest
While the flowers are small, they add delicate charm when they appear, typically in white to pale blue colors. The real star of the show is the uniquely textured foliage that provides year-round interest in the garden.
Planting Tips for Success
- Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate
- Improve drainage in heavy soils by adding sand or gravel
- Give plants plenty of space to spread naturally
- Mulch with gravel or decomposed granite rather than organic mulches
- Be patient – desert plants often take time to establish but reward you with longevity
The Bottom Line
Matted crinklemat is an excellent choice for gardeners in the Southwest who want to create beautiful, sustainable landscapes that support native wildlife while requiring minimal inputs. Its drought tolerance, unique texture, and conservation value make it a worthy addition to any desert or xeriscape garden. Just remember to source your plants responsibly, and you’ll be rewarded with a tough, attractive ground cover that truly belongs in your local landscape.
Whether you’re creating your first native plant garden or adding to an existing xeriscape design, matted crinklemat offers the perfect combination of beauty, sustainability, and low-maintenance charm that makes gardening in arid climates both successful and rewarding.
