Slenderleaf Iceplant: A Drought-Tolerant Ground Cover for Water-Wise Gardens
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance ground cover that thrives in dry conditions, you might have come across slenderleaf iceplant (Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum). This small, succulent-like plant has quietly established itself in parts of the American West, offering gardeners an option for challenging growing conditions where other plants might struggle.
Getting to Know Slenderleaf Iceplant
Slenderleaf iceplant is a small forb – essentially a non-woody plant that stays low to the ground. Despite its common name, it’s quite different from the more familiar crystalline iceplant you might see carpeting coastal areas. This little plant is both annual and perennial, meaning it can complete its life cycle in one year or persist for multiple years, depending on conditions.
Also known by its synonym Gasoul nodiflorum, this plant produces tiny white or pale pink flowers and has narrow, fleshy leaves that help it store water during dry periods.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
Originally from the Mediterranean region and North Africa, slenderleaf iceplant has made itself at home in three western states: Arizona, California, and Oregon. It’s what botanists call a naturalized plant – meaning it arrived from elsewhere but now reproduces on its own in the wild.
Is This Plant Right for Your Garden?
The short answer is: it depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Here are some considerations:
The Pros:
- Extremely drought tolerant once established
- Requires minimal care and watering
- Can handle poor, well-draining soils
- Useful for erosion control on slopes
- Grows well in full sun conditions
The Considerations:
- It’s not native to North America
- Limited wildlife and pollinator benefits
- May not fit into native plant landscaping goals
- Can spread beyond intended areas
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to grow slenderleaf iceplant, you’ll find it refreshingly low-maintenance. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, making it suitable for warmer regions with mild winters.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun exposure
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential – this plant hates wet feet
- Water: Drought tolerant; water sparingly once established
- Climate: Prefers dry, Mediterranean-like conditions
Wetland Considerations
Interestingly, slenderleaf iceplant has different wetland preferences depending on the region. In most western areas, it’s considered facultative upland, meaning it usually prefers drier sites but can occasionally tolerate some moisture. However, in coastal regions, it can handle more variable moisture conditions.
Planting and Care Tips
Growing slenderleaf iceplant successfully is largely about not overdoing it:
- Plant in spring after the last frost for best establishment
- Choose a sunny, well-draining location – avoid areas that stay wet
- Water lightly until established, then reduce watering significantly
- Avoid fertilizing – this plant prefers lean conditions
- Monitor spread and remove unwanted growth as needed
Native Alternatives to Consider
While slenderleaf iceplant can serve a purpose in water-wise gardens, you might also consider these native alternatives that provide similar drought tolerance with greater ecological benefits:
- California: Beach strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis) or coast goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii)
- Arizona: Desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata) or fairy duster (Calliandra eriophylla)
- Oregon: Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) or Oregon sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum)
The Bottom Line
Slenderleaf iceplant can be a practical choice for gardeners dealing with challenging dry conditions, poor soils, or erosion issues. While it won’t win any awards for supporting local wildlife, it does what it does well – survive and provide ground cover where other plants might fail.
If you’re committed to supporting native ecosystems, you’ll probably want to explore native alternatives first. But if you’re dealing with a particularly challenging site and need something reliable, slenderleaf iceplant might earn a spot in your water-wise garden toolkit.
Remember, the key to success with this plant is restraint – less water, less fuss, and keeping an eye on its spread. Sometimes the best gardening advice is simply: don’t try too hard!
