The Southwestern United States is a region marked by its arid climate and unique biodiversity. However, like other areas, it is facing the crisis of diminishing plant species. Incorporating endangered plants into your garden can contribute significantly to conservation efforts. Here are ten endangered plant species suitable for the southwestern U.S climate, along with trusted sources for procurement.

1. Knowlton’s Cactus (Pediocactus knowltonii)

This small, solitary cactus has pink flowers and thrives in dry, rocky terrains. It’s ideal for water-conservative gardens.

Where to get them: Plants of the Southwest in New Mexico often carries native cacti species, including Knowlton’s Cactus.

2. Bartram’s Stonecrop (Graptopetalum bartramii)

An attractive, low-growing succulent, Bartram’s Stonecrop has rosettes of fleshy, grayish leaves and clusters of starry yellow flowers. It’s drought-resistant and needs well-drained soil.

Where to get them: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in California specialize in desert plants and often carry endangered succulents.

3. Welsh’s Milkweed (Asclepias welshii)

This perennial plant, important for the Monarch butterfly’s lifecycle, bears interesting red and white flowers and thrives in well-drained soils.

Where to get them: High Country Gardens in New Mexico features many native and endangered species, including milkweeds.

4. Pagosa Skyrocket (Ipomopsis polyantha)

Known for its vivid scarlet flowers, Pagosa Skyrocket prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.

Where to get them: Wildflowers of the La Plata in Colorado, a nonprofit organization, offers this species and participates in restoration programs.

5. Parish’s Alkali Grass (Puccinellia parishii)

This rare grass species thrives in wet, alkaline soils, making it a great choice for a water garden or a pond’s edge.

Where to get them: Spadefoot Nursery in Arizona specializes in native and rare species, including Parish’s Alkali Grass.

6. Holmgren’s Milk-Vetch (Astragalus holmgreniorum)

This perennial herb with pale purple flowers requires well-drained soil and full sun, making it perfect for arid gardens.

Where to get them: The Utah Native Plant Society regularly organizes plant sales and often features endangered species like the Holmgren’s Milk-Vetch.

7. Huachuca Water Umbel (Lilaeopsis schaffneriana var. recurva)

A semi-aquatic perennial with delicate white flowers, it thrives in wetland environments, such as the edges of ponds.

Where to get them: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in California specializes in native plants, including endangered species like the Huachuca Water Umbel.

8. Gypsum Wild-Buckwheat (Eriogonum gypsophilum)

This small perennial plant boasts clusters of white flowers and thrives in dry, rocky soils with full sun exposure.

Where to get them: Native plant societies and specialist nurseries such as Plants of the Southwest often carry a range of native and endangered species.

9. Arizona Cliffrose (Purshia subintegra)

This evergreen shrub with pale yellow flowers prefers sunny, well-drained areas. It’s also an excellent choice for erosion control.

Where to get them: Desert Survivors Native Plant Nursery in Arizona focuses on conserving and selling native species, including the Arizona Cliffrose.

10. Penland’s Beardtongue (Penstemon penlandii)

A perennial herb with tubular blue flowers, it thrives in rocky soils and requires full sun.

Where to get them: The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Colorado often features rare alpine plants, including Penland’s Beardtongue.