Santa Rita Mountain Ticktrefoil: A Lesser-Known Arizona Native Worth Discovering
If you’re passionate about native plants and love discovering hidden gems in the botanical world, Santa Rita Mountain ticktrefoil (Desmodium retinens) might just pique your interest. This perennial forb represents one of Arizona’s more elusive native species, and while it may not be the showiest plant in your garden, it carries the special appeal that comes with growing something truly unique to the American Southwest.
Meet the Santa Rita Mountain Ticktrefoil
Santa Rita Mountain ticktrefoil belongs to the legume family and grows as a non-woody perennial forb. Unlike shrubs or trees, this plant lacks significant woody tissue above ground, instead developing its perennial nature through underground structures that survive from year to year. You might also encounter this plant listed under its synonyms: Desmodium wislizeni, Meibomia retinens, or Meibomia wrightii.
Where You’ll Find It Growing Wild
This ticktrefoil is native to Arizona, where it has adapted to the unique growing conditions of the region. As its common name suggests, it’s associated with the Santa Rita Mountain area, though its exact distribution within the state remains somewhat documented. Like many native Arizona plants, it has evolved to thrive in conditions that would challenge many non-native species.
The Challenge and Reward of Growing a Rare Native
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit challenging): Santa Rita Mountain ticktrefoil is what we might call a plant enthusiast’s plant. There’s limited information available about its specific growing requirements, appearance, and garden performance. This scarcity of information likely reflects both its limited distribution and the fact that it hasn’t been widely cultivated or studied compared to more common native plants.
What We Know About Growing Conditions
While specific growing information for Desmodium retinens is limited, we can make some educated guesses based on its native habitat and family characteristics:
- As an Arizona native, it likely prefers well-draining soils
- It probably tolerates drought conditions once established
- Being a legume, it may have nitrogen-fixing capabilities that benefit soil health
- Mountain associations suggest it might prefer slightly cooler conditions than desert floor plants
Should You Try Growing It?
Growing Santa Rita Mountain ticktrefoil presents both opportunities and challenges. On the positive side, you’d be supporting native biodiversity and potentially providing habitat for local wildlife. However, the lack of readily available growing information and plant material makes this a project for dedicated native plant enthusiasts rather than beginning gardeners.
If you’re determined to grow this species, here are some suggestions:
- Contact local native plant societies or botanical gardens for guidance
- Look for seeds or plants from reputable native plant sources
- Start small with just a few plants to learn their needs
- Document your growing experience to help other gardeners
Alternative Native Options
If you’re attracted to the idea of growing native legumes but want more readily available options, consider these Arizona natives:
- Desert broom dalea (Psorothamnus scoparius)
- Fairy duster (Calliandra eriophylla)
- New Mexico locust (Robinia neomexicana)
The Bottom Line
Santa Rita Mountain ticktrefoil represents the kind of native plant that makes botanists and serious native plant gardeners excited—it’s uncommon, it’s truly native, and it’s part of Arizona’s unique plant heritage. While it may not be the easiest plant to grow or find, it offers the special satisfaction that comes with successfully cultivating something rare and meaningful.
If you do decide to try growing this ticktrefoil, approach it as an adventure in native plant gardening. You’ll be contributing to our understanding of how to cultivate Arizona’s lesser-known natives, and who knows? You might just become the local expert on growing Santa Rita Mountain ticktrefoil.
