Mock Thelypody: A Hidden Gem for Southwestern Native Gardens
If you’re looking to add some authentic southwestern charm to your native plant garden, you might want to get acquainted with mock thelypody (Pennellia). This unassuming little wildflower may not have the flashiest name in the plant world, but it’s a true native that deserves a spot in the right garden setting.
What Exactly is Mock Thelypody?
Mock thelypody belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae), which explains its small, delicate flowers and herbaceous growth habit. As a forb, this plant lacks any significant woody tissue and keeps its growing points at or near ground level – perfect for surviving harsh southwestern conditions.
This native plant can live as either a biennial or perennial, meaning it might complete its life cycle in two years or stick around for several seasons, depending on growing conditions. That flexibility makes it an interesting addition to naturalized areas where plants need to adapt to varying conditions.
Where Does Mock Thelypody Call Home?
Mock thelypody is proudly native to the lower 48 states, with its natural range spanning across four southwestern states: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. This distribution tells us a lot about what this plant needs to thrive – think high desert conditions, variable rainfall, and temperature extremes.
Should You Plant Mock Thelypody in Your Garden?
The short answer is: it depends on what kind of garden you’re creating. Mock thelypody isn’t going to be the star of a formal perennial border, but it could be perfect for:
- Native plant gardens focused on southwestern species
- Naturalized wildflower areas
- Xeric or drought-tolerant landscapes
- Pollinator gardens (it likely attracts small native bees and other pollinators typical of mustard family plants)
As a native species, mock thelypody offers the environmental benefits that come with planting indigenous flora – supporting local ecosystems, requiring fewer inputs once established, and providing authentic regional character to your landscape.
Growing Mock Thelypody Successfully
Here’s where we need to be honest: specific growing information for Pennellia as a genus is limited in gardening literature. However, based on its native range and family characteristics, we can make some educated assumptions about its needs:
Growing Conditions
- Soil: Likely prefers well-draining, sandy or rocky soils typical of its native range
- Water: Probably drought-tolerant once established, following natural rainfall patterns
- Sun: Most likely thrives in full sun to partial shade
- Climate: Based on its range, likely hardy in USDA zones 4-9
Planting and Care Tips
Since mock thelypody is adapted to challenging southwestern conditions, the key is probably not to overthink it:
- Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate
- Avoid overwatering – let natural rainfall do most of the work
- Choose a location that mimics its natural habitat
- Be patient – native plants often take time to establish but become very resilient once they do
The Reality Check
We’ll level with you: mock thelypody isn’t widely available in the nursery trade, and detailed cultivation information is scarce. This is fairly common with lesser-known native species. If you’re interested in growing it, you might need to:
- Contact native plant societies in the southwestern states
- Look for specialized native plant nurseries
- Connect with botanical gardens or university extension programs in its native range
The Bottom Line
Mock thelypody represents the kind of native plant that dedicated native gardeners love to discover – authentic, regionally appropriate, and probably tougher than it looks. While it may not be the easiest plant to find or the showiest in your garden, it offers the satisfaction of growing something truly native to the American Southwest.
If you can source it responsibly and you’re creating a naturalized native landscape in its range, mock thelypody could be a wonderful addition. Just don’t expect it to compete with flashier introduced species for attention – sometimes the best native plants are the quiet ones that simply belong.
