Fendler’s Pennycress

Fendler’s Pennycress: A Specialized Native Wildflower for the Southwest

If you’re looking for a truly unique addition to your native plant garden, Fendler’s pennycress (Noccaea fendleri fendleri) might just be the hidden gem you never knew existed. This little-known perennial forb represents one of nature’s more specialized creations, perfectly adapted to the rugged landscapes of the American Southwest.

What Is Fendler’s Pennycress?

Fendler’s pennycress belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and is a true American native, found exclusively in the southwestern United States. As a perennial forb, this plant lacks the woody stems of shrubs and trees, instead growing as a herbaceous plant that returns year after year from its root system.

You might encounter this plant listed under several historical names in older botanical references, including Thlaspi fendleri or Thlaspi montanum var. fendleri, reflecting the ongoing efforts of botanists to properly classify this specialized species.

Where Does It Grow Naturally?

Fendler’s pennycress has a rather exclusive address—it calls home only three states: Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. This limited range immediately tells us we’re dealing with a plant that has very specific habitat requirements and environmental preferences.

Should You Grow Fendler’s Pennycress?

Here’s where things get interesting—and a bit challenging. While Fendler’s pennycress is undoubtedly a fascinating native species that deserves appreciation, it’s also what we might call a specialist plant. This means it has evolved to thrive in very particular conditions that can be difficult to replicate in typical garden settings.

The Reality of Growing Specialized Natives

Unlike more adaptable native plants that readily transition from wild habitats to garden beds, Fendler’s pennycress represents the more challenging end of native plant gardening. Here’s what potential growers should consider:

• Limited availability: You’re unlikely to find this plant at your local nursery
• Specialized growing requirements: As a plant adapted to specific southwestern ecosystems, it may struggle in typical garden conditions
• Unknown cultivation needs: Limited research exists on successfully growing this species in cultivation
• Seed sourcing challenges: Obtaining seeds or plants requires connecting with specialized native plant societies or botanical institutions

Alternative Approaches for Southwest Gardeners

If you’re inspired by the idea of growing Fendler’s pennycress but want more practical options, consider these approaches:

• Support habitat conservation: Contribute to organizations working to preserve the natural habitats where this species thrives
• Choose related natives: Look for other members of the mustard family that are better adapted to cultivation
• Create specialized habitat gardens: If you have the right conditions (rocky, well-draining soil in appropriate climate zones), you might attempt to recreate the plant’s natural habitat

The Bigger Picture

Plants like Fendler’s pennycress remind us that not every native species is meant for the typical garden setting—and that’s perfectly okay. These specialized plants play crucial roles in their natural ecosystems and represent the incredible diversity of plant life adapted to specific environmental niches.

For most gardeners interested in supporting native biodiversity, focusing on more adaptable native species will provide greater success and environmental benefit. However, for the truly dedicated native plant enthusiast with the right conditions and patience for experimentation, Fendler’s pennycress represents an intriguing challenge and a connection to the unique flora of the American Southwest.

Remember, the best native plant garden isn’t necessarily one that contains the rarest species, but rather one that successfully supports local wildlife while thriving in your specific conditions. Sometimes the most common native plants in your area provide far more ecological value than rare specialists that struggle to survive in cultivation.