Mexican Hemlockparsley: A Rare Arizona Native Worth Knowing About
Meet Mexican hemlockparsley (Conioselinum mexicanum), one of Arizona’s most elusive native wildflowers. This perennial forb might not be on every gardener’s radar, but for those interested in truly unique southwestern natives, it’s definitely worth learning about.
What Exactly Is Mexican Hemlockparsley?
Mexican hemlockparsley is a native perennial forb, which simply means it’s a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. Like other forbs, it lacks the thick, woody stems you’d find on shrubs or trees, instead producing softer herbaceous growth that dies back to ground level.
This plant belongs to the carrot family (though don’t go snacking on it!), and true to its name, it’s found exclusively in the southwestern United States.
Where Does It Call Home?
Mexican hemlockparsley is native to the lower 48 states, with its known distribution limited to Arizona. This makes it a true southwestern specialty – a plant that has evolved specifically for the unique conditions found in this region.
The Rarity Factor
Here’s where things get interesting (and important): Mexican hemlockparsley has a Global Conservation Status of S2?, which indicates its conservation status is undefined but potentially of concern. This uncertain status suggests the plant may be rare or have limited populations.
What does this mean for gardeners? If you’re lucky enough to encounter this species and want to include it in your landscape, it’s crucial to source it responsibly. Never collect plants from the wild, and only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that can verify their plants were grown from ethically sourced seed or cuttings.
Should You Grow Mexican Hemlockparsley?
The honest answer is: it’s complicated. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Rarity: Its uncertain conservation status means you should only plant it if you can source it responsibly
- Availability: Given its rarity, finding this plant in nurseries may be challenging
- Regional appropriateness: If you’re gardening in Arizona, this could be a meaningful addition to a native plant collection
- Conservation value: Growing rare natives in gardens can help preserve genetic diversity
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing requirements for Mexican hemlockparsley aren’t well-documented, which is often the case with rare native species. However, as an Arizona native forb, we can make some educated assumptions:
- Likely adapted to arid or semi-arid conditions
- Probably requires well-draining soil
- May need protection from extreme heat
- Could benefit from some supplemental water during establishment
If you do manage to find this plant, treat it like other southwestern natives: provide excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, and give it time to establish before expecting robust growth.
The Bottom Line
Mexican hemlockparsley represents the fascinating diversity of native plants hiding in plain sight across our landscapes. While it may not be the easiest plant to find or grow, it serves as a reminder of why preserving native plant communities matters.
If you’re passionate about rare natives and have the patience to seek out responsibly sourced plants, Mexican hemlockparsley could be a unique addition to a specialized southwestern native garden. Just remember: with rare plants comes responsibility. Always source ethically, and consider this plant an investment in conservation rather than just another garden addition.
For most gardeners interested in southwestern natives, there are many other Arizona native forbs that are easier to find and grow while still providing authentic regional character to your landscape.
