Trailing Townula
Sarcostemma hirtellum
Height: A sprawling vine-like plant, with stems trailing several feet
Habitat: Dry desert washes, rocky slopes, and arid plains
Elevation: Typically found below 4,000 feet
Range: Southwestern United States, especially the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts—California, Arizona, Nevada, and into Baja California
Description:
Trailing Townula is a leafless, twining or trailing plant with slender green stems that often look like string or spaghetti scattered across the ground or twining through shrubs. It’s in the milkweed family and produces clusters of small, pale pink to lavender star-shaped flowers. Its unusual form often makes it look more like a tangle of vines than a typical plant.
Uses:
This plant plays an important ecological role by supporting native insects, especially certain species of moths and butterflies that rely on milkweed relatives. While it’s not commonly used in traditional medicine or food, it’s valued for its place in desert ecosystems.
Note:
It may not look like much at first glance, but Trailing Townula is a survivor. It thrives in some of the toughest conditions and adds a unique texture to the desert landscape—like nature’s own living thread.
