Clokey’s Greasebush: A Rare Nevada Native Worth Protecting
Meet Clokey’s greasebush (Glossopetalon clokeyi), one of Nevada’s most elusive native shrubs. This unassuming desert dweller might not win any beauty contests, but it’s got something far more valuable: rarity that makes it a true treasure for conservation-minded gardeners.
What Makes Clokey’s Greasebush Special?
Also known by its scientific name Glossopetalon clokeyi (formerly called Forsellesia clokeyi), this perennial shrub is what botanists call a narrow endemic – meaning it’s found in just one small corner of the world. In this case, that corner happens to be Nevada’s desert mountains.
As a multi-stemmed woody shrub, Clokey’s greasebush typically stays modest in size, rarely exceeding 13-16 feet in height. Most specimens you’ll encounter are much smaller, with several stems arising from near ground level, creating a bushy appearance that’s perfectly adapted to harsh desert conditions.
Where Does It Call Home?
Clokey’s greasebush is exclusively native to Nevada, where it clings to existence in scattered desert mountain ranges. This shrub has mastered the art of desert survival, thriving in areas that would challenge most other plants.
- Species observed
- No observations
A Word of Caution: This Plant Is Rare
Here’s where things get serious. Clokey’s greasebush carries a Global Conservation Status of S2, which translates to Imperiled. This means we’re looking at somewhere between 6-20 known occurrences in the wild, with only an estimated 1,000-3,000 individual plants remaining. That’s not a typo – this shrub is genuinely rare.
If you’re thinking about adding this Nevada native to your garden, please proceed with extreme caution. Only obtain plants or seeds from reputable nurseries that can guarantee their material is responsibly sourced and legally propagated – never collected from wild populations.
Should You Grow Clokey’s Greasebush?
The short answer is: maybe, but only if you’re serious about conservation and can source it responsibly. This isn’t a plant for casual gardeners or those looking for instant gratification. Here’s what you need to know:
The good news: If you live in USDA hardiness zones 7-9 and have the right desert conditions, you could potentially provide a safe haven for this imperiled species. It’s drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal care – perfect for water-wise gardening.
The challenges: Finding legitimate sources is difficult, and this plant has very specific growing requirements. It’s not going to wow your neighbors with showy blooms or lush foliage.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do decide to take on the responsibility of growing Clokey’s greasebush, here’s what it needs:
- Sunlight: Full sun is essential
- Soil: Extremely well-draining, rocky or sandy desert soils
- Water: Minimal once established – this is a true drought specialist
- Climate: Arid conditions with low humidity
- Space: Allow room for natural spreading growth habit
The key to success is mimicking its native Nevada habitat as closely as possible. Think desert mountain slopes, not suburban lawn edges.
Garden Role and Landscape Use
Clokey’s greasebush isn’t your typical ornamental shrub. It’s best suited for:
- Specialized desert or xeric gardens
- Native plant collections
- Conservation landscapes
- Educational gardens focused on rare Nevada flora
While we don’t have complete data on its wildlife benefits, desert shrubs like this typically support native pollinators during their bloom periods and provide shelter for small desert animals.
The Bottom Line
Clokey’s greasebush represents something special in the plant world – a true Nevada original that’s hanging on despite the odds. If you’re passionate about conservation, have the right growing conditions, and can source plants responsibly, you might consider giving this rare shrub a protected spot in your garden.
Just remember: with great rarity comes great responsibility. Every plant counts when there are so few left in the wild.