Slender abronia

Cottsia gracilis, also known as slender Janusia or Fermina, is a twining perennial native to dry parts of southern Arizona, western Texas and northern Mexico. Its slender stems weave through nearby vegetation, and small yellow flowers brighten its warm-season growth. [Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60447723-2) accepts Cottsia gracilis in the family Malpighiaceae, while [ITIS](https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?print_version=PRT&search_topic=TSN&search_value=29277&source=to_print) lists Janusia gracilis as a synonym and slender janusia as a common name. ## Placement This vine is associated with rocky slopes and dry shrubland in the arid Southwest. Give it a sunny to lightly shaded position in sharply drained ground, and let its open growth thread through a trellis or nearby shrubs. Its final reach can depend on the structure it climbs, so use it where a loose, natural outline is welcome rather than expecting a compact, self-supporting mound. [Regional flora](https://southwestdesertflora.com/WebsiteFolders/All_Species/Malpighiaceae/Cottsia%20gracilis,%20Slender%20Janusia.html) describes it from dry rocky sites and notes yellow flowers. ## Maintenance Water while establishing, then adjust irrigation to local rainfall and soil drainage. Remove stems that extend beyond their allotted space; trim it only when needed to keep its growth within bounds.