Nixon’s Hawthorn: A Critically Rare Texas Treasure You Probably Shouldn’t Plant
Meet Nixon’s hawthorn (Crataegus nananixonii), one of nature’s most exclusive plants – and we mean really exclusive. This native Texas shrub is so rare that it’s earned a Global Conservation Status of S1, meaning it’s critically imperiled with typically fewer than five known locations and less than 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Talk about playing hard to get!
What Makes Nixon’s Hawthorn Special?
Nixon’s hawthorn is a perennial, multi-stemmed woody shrub that typically grows less than 13-16 feet tall. Like other members of the hawthorn family, it likely produces the characteristic white spring flowers and small fruits that make hawthorns beloved by both gardeners and wildlife. However, this particular species has carved out its own tiny niche in the Lone Star State.
Where Does It Call Home?
This Texas native has an incredibly limited range, growing only in specific areas within the state. Its restricted distribution is one of the key factors contributing to its critically imperiled status.
The Conservation Conundrum: Should You Plant It?
Here’s where things get tricky. While Nixon’s hawthorn is undoubtedly a fascinating native plant, its extreme rarity raises serious ethical questions about cultivation. With so few individuals left in the wild, this isn’t your typical pop it in the backyard kind of plant.
If you’re absolutely determined to grow this species, here are the non-negotiables:
- Only obtain plants from verified conservation programs or botanical institutions
- Never collect from wild populations
- Ensure any source material comes from legitimate propagation efforts
- Consider participating in formal conservation programs instead of private cultivation
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of potentially contributing to the pressure on this rare species, consider these more common Texas native hawthorns that can give you similar aesthetic appeal without the conservation concerns:
- Mexican hawthorn (Crataegus mexicana)
- Parsley hawthorn (Crataegus marshallii)
- Green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis)
Growing Conditions (If You’re Part of a Conservation Effort)
While specific growing requirements for Nixon’s hawthorn aren’t well-documented due to its rarity, it likely shares similar needs with other Texas hawthorns. These typically prefer well-drained soils and can tolerate drought conditions once established. Based on its Texas origins, it would likely thrive in USDA hardiness zones 7-9.
The Bottom Line
Nixon’s hawthorn represents one of those bittersweet success stories of botanical discovery – we found it, but there’s barely any left to appreciate. While it’s natural to want to grow rare and unusual plants, sometimes the best thing we can do for a species is leave it to the conservation professionals and choose more sustainable alternatives for our gardens.
If you’re passionate about rare plant conservation, consider supporting botanical gardens, native plant societies, or conservation organizations working to protect critically imperiled species like Nixon’s hawthorn. That might be the most meaningful way to connect with this remarkable little shrub.
