Southwestern Ringstem: A Rare New Mexico Native Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about native plants and happen to live in New Mexico, you might be curious about one of the state’s more elusive botanical treasures: the southwestern ringstem (Anulocaulis leiosolenus var. howardii). This isn’t your typical garden center find – it’s a rare perennial forb that calls the Land of Enchantment home.
What Makes Southwestern Ringstem Special?
Southwestern ringstem belongs to that fascinating group of plants called forbs – essentially, it’s a non-woody perennial that lacks the thick, sturdy stems of shrubs and trees. Think of it as nature’s version of a herbaceous perennial, with its growing points tucked safely at or below ground level, ready to emerge each growing season.
This particular variety, var. howardii, is what botanists call endemic to New Mexico – meaning it naturally occurs nowhere else on Earth. That’s pretty special when you think about it!
Where Does It Grow?
Currently, southwestern ringstem is documented only in New Mexico, making it a true regional specialty. As a native species to the lower 48 states, it has adapted specifically to the unique conditions found in this southwestern landscape.
The Rarity Factor: Why This Matters
Important note for gardeners: Southwestern ringstem has a Global Conservation Status of S4T2, indicating it’s considered rare and potentially vulnerable. This means if you’re interested in growing this plant, you’ll want to be extra careful about sourcing.
Here’s what this means for you as a gardener:
- Never collect this plant from the wild
- Only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their own stock
- Consider it a conservation effort rather than just a garden addition
- Be patient – rare plants often take time to source responsibly
Growing Challenges and Unknowns
Here’s where things get tricky: because southwestern ringstem is so rare and geographically limited, there’s limited information available about its specific growing requirements, aesthetic qualities, or garden performance. This is both the challenge and the adventure of working with rare native plants.
What we do know is that it’s a perennial forb adapted to New Mexico’s climate and conditions. If you’re determined to grow it, your best bet is to:
- Research the specific habitat where it naturally occurs
- Try to replicate those soil and moisture conditions
- Connect with local native plant societies for guidance
- Start with a small trial planting to learn its preferences
Is This Plant Right for Your Garden?
Honestly? Southwestern ringstem isn’t for every gardener. It’s best suited for:
- Serious native plant enthusiasts
- Conservation-minded gardeners
- New Mexico residents interested in supporting local biodiversity
- Those who enjoy the challenge of growing rare species
If you’re looking for easier-to-grow New Mexico natives with more available information, consider exploring other regional forbs and wildflowers that might be more readily available and better documented.
The Bottom Line
Southwestern ringstem represents the fascinating world of rare native plants – species that remind us just how much botanical diversity exists in our own backyards. While it may not be the easiest plant to grow or find, it offers the unique opportunity to participate in plant conservation right in your own garden.
If you decide to pursue growing this rare beauty, remember that you’re not just adding a plant to your landscape – you’re helping preserve a piece of New Mexico’s natural heritage. And that’s pretty amazing, even if we’re still learning about what makes this particular ringstem tick.
