Touristplant: A Charming Desert Annual for Water-Wise Gardens
If you’re looking for a delightful native wildflower that thrives in tough conditions, let me introduce you to touristplant (Dimorphocarpa wislizeni). This charming little annual might have an unusual name, but it’s a wonderful addition to desert and drought-tolerant gardens across the American Southwest.
What Makes Touristplant Special?
Touristplant is a native annual forb that belongs to the mustard family. As an herbaceous plant without woody stems, it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season, making it perfect for gardeners who enjoy seasonal variety. You might also see it listed under its former scientific names, including Dithyrea wislizeni, but rest assured—it’s the same delightful plant.
Where Does Touristplant Call Home?
This hardy native spreads across six southwestern states: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. It’s perfectly adapted to the challenging conditions of the American Southwest, from desert valleys to rocky hillsides.
Why Grow Touristplant in Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons to consider adding touristplant to your landscape:
- Water-wise choice: Once established, it requires minimal irrigation, making it perfect for xeriscapes and drought-conscious gardening
- Pollinator magnet: The small white flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to your garden
- Unique seed pods: After flowering, it produces distinctive flattened, heart-shaped seed pods that add visual interest
- Native plant benefits: Supports local ecosystems and wildlife while requiring less maintenance than non-native alternatives
- Spring beauty: Provides lovely white blooms during the spring growing season
Perfect Garden Settings
Touristplant shines in several garden styles:
- Desert and xeriscape gardens
- Native plant landscapes
- Rock gardens and rocky slopes
- Wildflower meadows
- Low-maintenance ground cover areas
Growing Conditions and Care
One of touristplant’s greatest assets is its adaptability to challenging conditions. Here’s what this desert native prefers:
- Sunlight: Full sun exposure
- Soil: Well-draining sandy or rocky soils; actually thrives in poor soils that challenge other plants
- Water: Minimal watering once established; drought-tolerant
- Climate zones: USDA hardiness zones 8-10
Planting and Care Tips
Growing touristplant is refreshingly straightforward:
- Seeding: Direct seed in fall or early spring when temperatures are mild
- Spacing: Allow adequate space for the plants to spread naturally
- Watering: Provide occasional water during establishment, then reduce significantly
- Soil preparation: Avoid rich, amended soils—this plant actually prefers lean conditions
- Maintenance: Minimal care required; let it self-seed for naturalized areas
Is Touristplant Right for Your Garden?
Touristplant is an excellent choice if you garden in the southwestern United States and want a low-maintenance, water-wise native plant. It’s particularly valuable for gardeners dealing with poor soils, limited water, or harsh growing conditions where other plants might struggle.
However, if you live outside zones 8-10 or in areas with high humidity and frequent rainfall, this desert native might not be the best fit for your garden. In such cases, consider researching native annuals that are better adapted to your local climate conditions.
With its charming white flowers, interesting seed pods, and remarkable drought tolerance, touristplant offers southwestern gardeners a delightful way to create beautiful, sustainable landscapes that celebrate the unique beauty of desert flora.
