Rusty Molly: A Lesser-Known Native Shrub for Western Gardens
If you’re exploring native plants for your California or Nevada garden, you might stumble across a small, unassuming shrub called rusty molly (Bassia californica). While it may not be the flashiest plant in the native garden world, this low-growing perennial shrub has quietly made its home in the western United States for generations.
What is Rusty Molly?
Rusty molly, scientifically known as Bassia californica, is a native perennial shrub that stays refreshingly compact. You’ll find this little trooper growing as a low shrub, typically staying under 1.5 feet tall and never exceeding 3 feet at maturity. It’s one of those plants that knows how to stay in its lane – perfect for gardeners who appreciate plants that don’t try to take over the entire landscape.
This species has traveled through a few name changes over the years, previously known by synonyms including Kochia californica and Neokochia californica, but Bassia californica is the name that stuck.
Where Does Rusty Molly Call Home?
As a true native to the lower 48 states, rusty molly has established itself primarily in California and Nevada. It’s adapted to life in these western regions and understands the unique growing conditions that come with the territory.
Growing Conditions and Hardiness
Here’s where rusty molly gets interesting from a gardener’s perspective. This plant has a facultative wetland status in both the Arid West and Western Mountains regions, which means it usually prefers wetland conditions but can adapt to drier situations. This flexibility makes it potentially valuable for gardeners dealing with variable moisture conditions.
While specific growing requirements for Bassia californica are not extensively documented in horticultural literature, its wetland preference suggests it may appreciate:
- Consistent moisture during the growing season
- Well-draining soil that doesn’t stay waterlogged
- Native soil conditions rather than heavily amended garden soil
Should You Plant Rusty Molly?
The honest answer is: it depends on what you’re looking for. Rusty molly isn’t going to win any beauty contests or attract swarms of Instagram photographers to your garden. However, if you’re a native plant enthusiast who values supporting local ecosystems and appreciates the quiet charm of indigenous species, rusty molly could be a worthy addition.
This plant is best suited for:
- Native plant gardens focused on regional authenticity
- Areas with naturally moist conditions
- Gardeners who prefer low-maintenance, naturally sized plants
- Restoration projects in California and Nevada
The Reality Check
Let’s be upfront: rusty molly is not widely available in the nursery trade, and detailed growing information is limited. This is one of those native plants that falls into the botanically interesting but horticulturally obscure category. If you’re drawn to well-documented, readily available native plants, you might want to start with more established options like ceanothus, manzanita, or native bunch grasses.
If You’re Determined to Try It
Should you decide rusty molly is calling your name, your best bet is to:
- Contact native plant societies in California and Nevada
- Reach out to specialty native plant nurseries
- Connect with botanical gardens or restoration groups who might have seeds or starts
- Always ensure any plant material is ethically and legally sourced
The Bottom Line
Rusty molly represents the quieter side of native gardening – the plants that don’t make headlines but have been part of their ecosystems for countless years. While it may not be the easiest or most rewarding native plant for beginning gardeners, it offers something special for those who appreciate botanical authenticity and regional specificity.
If you’re just starting your native plant journey, you might want to begin with more readily available and better-documented California and Nevada natives. But if you’re already deep into the native plant world and looking for something truly local and unique, rusty molly might just be the understated addition your garden has been waiting for.
