Woody Crinklemat: A Tough Desert Native for Water-Wise Gardens
If you’re looking for a hardy, drought-tolerant ground cover that can handle the toughest desert conditions, let me introduce you to woody crinklemat (Tiquilia canescens var. canescens). This unassuming little native might not win any beauty contests, but it’s a true survivor that deserves a spot in water-wise landscapes across the American Southwest.
What is Woody Crinklemat?
Woody crinklemat is a low-growing perennial shrub that rarely exceeds 1.5 feet in height, typically staying well under that mark. Despite its modest stature, this tough little plant spreads to form dense mats, making it an excellent ground cover option. The silvery-gray, somewhat crinkled leaves (hence the name!) give the plant a distinctive texture that adds visual interest to desert gardens.
You might also see this plant listed under its old botanical names, Coldenia canescens, but regardless of what you call it, this native beauty is all about survival in harsh conditions.
Where Does Woody Crinklemat Call Home?
This southwestern native can be found growing wild across Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. It’s perfectly adapted to the Sonoran and Mojave desert regions, where it has learned to thrive in some of the most challenging growing conditions imaginable.
Why Grow Woody Crinklemat?
Here’s where woody crinklemat really shines – it’s practically indestructible once established. If you’re dealing with:
- Extremely hot, dry summers
- Poor, rocky, or sandy soil
- Areas where nothing else seems to grow
- The need for a low-maintenance ground cover
Then woody crinklemat might be your new best friend. It’s also a native plant, which means it supports local ecosystems and provides resources for native wildlife, including small pollinators who visit its tiny white to pale blue flowers.
Garden Design Ideas
Woody crinklemat works beautifully in:
- Xeriscape and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Rock gardens and desert-themed spaces
- Slopes and erosion-prone areas
- As filler between larger desert plants
- Parking strips and other challenging urban spaces
Its low, spreading habit makes it perfect for filling in gaps and creating continuity in desert plant compositions.
Growing Conditions and Care
The beauty of woody crinklemat lies in its simplicity. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 and prefers:
- Full sun exposure
- Well-draining, sandy or rocky soil
- Minimal water once established
- Hot, dry conditions
The biggest mistake you can make with woody crinklemat is being too kind to it – overwatering will likely kill it faster than neglect!
Planting and Care Tips
Getting started with woody crinklemat is refreshingly straightforward:
- Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate
- Choose a location with excellent drainage – soggy soil is this plant’s enemy
- Water sparingly during establishment, then back off significantly
- No fertilizer needed – rich soil can actually harm desert natives
- Minimal pruning required, though you can trim back if it spreads beyond desired areas
The Bottom Line
Woody crinklemat isn’t flashy, but it’s a reliable workhorse for challenging garden spots. If you’re gardening in the Southwest and need a tough, native ground cover that can handle extreme conditions while supporting local wildlife, this little survivor deserves serious consideration. Just remember – sometimes the most unassuming plants turn out to be the most valuable additions to our gardens!
