Mountain Tansymustard: A Hardy Native Wildflower for Western Gardens
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance native wildflower that can handle tough conditions while supporting local pollinators, mountain tansymustard (Descurainia incana viscosa) might just be your new garden friend. This unassuming but resilient biennial brings delicate beauty to challenging landscapes across the American West.
What is Mountain Tansymustard?
Mountain tansymustard is a native biennial forb that belongs to the mustard family. As a biennial, it completes its life cycle over two years – spending its first year developing a root system and low-growing leaves, then blooming and setting seed in its second year before dying. Don’t let the humble appearance fool you; this little powerhouse is perfectly adapted to some of the West’s most challenging growing conditions.
The plant produces clusters of tiny yellow flowers on branching stems that can reach 1-3 feet tall. Its leaves are finely divided and feathery, giving the plant a delicate, almost fern-like appearance that contrasts nicely with the harsh environments it calls home.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This hardy native has quite an impressive range across the western United States. You’ll find mountain tansymustard growing naturally in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. It’s particularly at home in mountainous regions and high desert areas where many other plants struggle to survive.
Why Consider Mountain Tansymustard for Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons to give this native plant a spot in your landscape:
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal supplemental watering
- Pollinator support: The small flowers attract native bees and other beneficial insects
- Low maintenance: Thrives with minimal care in appropriate conditions
- Native plant benefits: Supports local ecosystems and wildlife
- Self-seeding: Will naturally reseed itself for future years
Where Does It Fit in Your Landscape?
Mountain tansymustard works best in naturalized settings rather than formal garden beds. Consider it for:
- Wildflower meadows and prairie gardens
- Rock gardens and xerophytic landscapes
- Erosion control on slopes and disturbed areas
- Native plant gardens focused on regional flora
- Areas where you want low-maintenance, drought-tolerant groundcover
Growing Conditions and Care
Mountain tansymustard is remarkably adaptable, but it does have some preferences. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, making it suitable for much of the mountain West and high plains regions.
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. It can handle poor, rocky, or sandy soils but will struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged conditions.
Sun exposure: Full sun is preferred, though it can tolerate some light shade.
Water needs: Very drought tolerant once established. In fact, too much water can be detrimental to this desert-adapted species.
Planting and Establishment Tips
The easiest way to establish mountain tansymustard is through direct seeding in fall. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Scatter seeds in late fall before the ground freezes
- Lightly rake seeds into soil surface – they need some soil contact but shouldn’t be buried deeply
- Natural winter moisture will provide the cold stratification seeds need
- Expect germination in early spring when temperatures warm up
- First-year plants will remain small and focus on root development
- Flowering and seed production occur in the second year
Once established, mountain tansymustard requires very little care. Avoid fertilizing, as rich soils can make the plants too lush and prone to lodging. The plant will self-seed readily, so you can expect new plants to appear naturally in subsequent years.
A Word of Caution
While mountain tansymustard is a valuable native plant, it’s worth noting that it can be somewhat weedy in its growth habit. If you’re planning a highly manicured landscape, this free-spirited self-seeder might not be the best choice. However, for naturalized areas and wildlife gardens, this trait is actually a benefit.
Final Thoughts
Mountain tansymustard may not win any beauty contests, but what it lacks in showiness, it makes up for in resilience and ecological value. For gardeners in the western United States looking to create sustainable, low-water landscapes that support native wildlife, this humble mustard family member deserves serious consideration. Just give it well-draining soil, plenty of sun, and minimal fussing – then step back and let it do what it does best.
