Tiquilia canescens aka Woody Crinklemat

Tiquilia canescens is moderately easy to grow for gardeners in suitable climates (USDA zones 9-12). Once established, it requires minimal care and is extremely drought-tolerant. The main challenge is providing the right conditions: full sun, excellent drainage, and alkaline soil. Overwatering is the most common mistake, as this desert native cannot tolerate wet roots. For xeriscapers and those familiar with arid-climate plants, it's a low-maintenance choice.

Tiquilia canescens requires very little water and is drought-tolerant once established. In its native habitat, it survives on only 3-9 inches of annual rainfall. Water sparingly during establishment, then reduce to occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. The plant's specialized root system allows it to absorb moisture from light showers while also accessing deeper soil water. Overwatering is the primary cause of failure—always err on the side of underwatering.

Tiquilia canescens thrives in alkaline, well-drained, rocky or sandy soil with low fertility. In nature, it grows on limestone in dry, rocky areas and can even colonize hard-baked clay. The key requirement is excellent drainage—the plant cannot tolerate wet feet. Lean soil is actually preferred; rich, fertile soil can cause leggy growth. For container growing, use a cactus/succite mix amended with extra perlite or pumice.

Tiquilia canescens requires full sun to thrive. As a native of exposed desert environments, it has evolved to handle intense sunlight and actually performs poorly in shade. The plant's dense white hairs help protect it from sun damage while reducing water loss. In cultivation, provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light will result in weak, leggy growth and reduced flowering.

Tiquilia canescens prefers low humidity, consistent with its desert origins. High humidity combined with insufficient air circulation can promote fungal issues. The plant's hairy leaves are adapted to reduce moisture loss in dry air, not to thrive in humid conditions. In naturally humid climates, ensure excellent drainage and air movement around the plant to prevent problems.

Tiquilia canescens is hardy in USDA zones 9b-12, tolerating minimum temperatures down to about 25°F (-4°C). It is extremely heat tolerant and thrives in hot desert conditions. The plant handles temperature extremes well but cannot survive prolonged freezing. In borderline zones, plant in a protected microclimate such as against a south-facing wall where reflected heat provides extra warmth.

Tiquilia canescens does not require fertilizer and actually prefers nutrient-poor, lean soils similar to its native desert habitat. Over-fertilizing can cause leggy, weak growth and may reduce the plant's natural drought tolerance. If you feel the need to feed, a very light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer once in spring is sufficient. In most cases, no fertilization is the best approach for this low-maintenance plant.

Tiquilia canescens can be propagated from seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Seeds may require cold stratification to break dormancy, mimicking natural winter conditions. For cuttings, take semi-hardwood stems in late spring or early summer, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a well-draining cactus mix. Keep barely moist until roots develop. Division of established clumps is also possible but may be challenging due to the plant's specialized root system.

Tiquilia canescens is a compact, low-growing subshrub that typically reaches 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in height with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). Some specimens may grow up to 15 inches (38 cm) tall under ideal conditions. Growth is slow, characteristic of desert plants adapted to limited water and nutrients. The plant forms dense, mat-like mounds with woody lower stems and woolly upper growth, resembling miniature shrubs.

Tiquilia canescens is exclusively an outdoor plant, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 9b through 12. It is native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where it grows in full sun on dry, rocky, alkaline soils. The plant is heat tolerant, wind tolerant, and deer resistant, making it excellent for xeriscaping and desert gardens. It cannot survive indoors due to its need for intense direct sunlight and low humidity.

Tiquilia canescens is native to the arid and semiarid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Its range extends from extreme western Texas, southern Nevada, and southeastern California south through Mexico to Querétaro in central Mexico. In the US, it occurs in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas. In Mexico, it's found in Chihuahua, Sonora, Baja California, and several central states. The plant inhabits mid- to lower-elevation desert regions, typically on limestone soils in dry, rocky areas.

Tiquilia canescens produces small, tubular flowers with five rounded lobes in shades of pink, lavender, and white. The flowers are tiny, with corollas approximately 7mm in length. A distinctive botanical feature is the undivided oval ovary topped by two styles, which is uncommon within the Borage family. Flowers have five stamens with brown anthers. Blooming occurs from spring through fall, providing extended color and attracting bees and other pollinators.

Tiquilia canescens is pollinated by insects, particularly bees. The small tubular flowers with their pink, lavender, and white coloration are well-suited for bee visitation. This makes Woody Crinklemat a valuable addition to pollinator gardens in arid climates. The extended bloom period from spring through fall provides a long-lasting nectar and pollen source for native bees and other pollinators in desert ecosystems.

Tiquilia canescens requires minimal seasonal adjustments due to its evergreen, drought-tolerant nature. In spring through fall, the plant actively grows and flowers—this is when occasional deep watering during extended dry spells may be beneficial. In winter, reduce watering further as growth slows. Protect from frost in borderline zones (below 25°F/-4°C). The plant remains evergreen year-round in its hardiness range, with blue-gray foliage providing winter interest.

In traditional Mexican folk medicine, Tiquilia canescens has several documented uses. Decoctions of the leaves and stems were used to bathe wounds. The plant was also used in sweat baths (temazcal), a traditional purification practice. Additionally, it was consumed to prevent post-meal drowsiness. These represent folkloric uses without scientific validation, and the plant should not be used medicinally without consulting a healthcare professional.

Two varieties of Tiquilia canescens are recognized: the typical variety Tiquilia canescens var. canescens and Tiquilia canescens var. pulchella. The typical variety is far more common in cultivation and in the wild, with over 300 documented observations on iNaturalist compared to only about 12 for var. pulchella. Both varieties share the same general characteristics and care requirements.

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.