Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

A Regional Guide for Farmers, Land Managers, and Gardeners In the

Arizona- Mountains Semidesert Open woodland Coniferous Forest Alpine MEadow Province

Including the states of:

Arizona and New Mexico NAPPC Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Arizona–New Mexico Mountains semidesert 6

Meet the Pollinators 8

Plant Traits 10

Developing Plantings 12

Farms 13

Public Lands 14

Home Landscapes 15

Bloom Periods 16

Plants That Attract Pollinators 18

Habitat Hints 20

This is one of several guides for Checklist 22 different regions in the United States. We welcome your feedback to assist us in making the future Resources and Feedback 23 guides useful. Please contact us at [email protected]

 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Regional Guide for

Farmers, Land Managers,

and Gardeners

In the

Ecological Region of the

Arizona–New Mexico Mountains semidesert

Open Woodland

Coniferous Forest

Alpine Meadow Province

Including the states of:

Arizona, New Mexico and Texas

a nappc and Pollinator Partnership™ Publication

This guide was funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the C.S. Fund, the Conservation Alliance, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management with oversight by the Pollinator Partnership™ (www.pollinator.org), in support of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC–www.nappc.org).

Arizona–New Mexico Mountains semidesert – Open woodland – coniferous Forest – Alpine meadow province  Why support pollinators?

In their 1996 book, The Forgotten Pollinators, Buchmann and Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction “Farming feeds of 90% of flowering plants and one third of human food crops. Each of us depends on these industrious pollinators in a practical way to provide us with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the the world, and intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems that helps sustain our quality of life.

Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve fruit set we must remember and quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases production per acre. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife food sources increase. that pollinators Alfalfa, watermelon, cotton, and chile pepper are some of the crops raised in the Arizona–New Mexico Mountains Semidesert that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate are a critical approximately $10 billion worth of crops in the U.S. each year.

Unfortunately, the numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated link in our food bee populations are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, disease, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides. The loss of commercial bees to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has highlighted how severe the issues of proper hive management are to reduce stresses caused systems.” by disease, pesticide use, insufficient nutrition, and transportation practices. -- Paul Growald, Currently, the pollination services that the commercial beekeeping industry provides are receiving much needed research and conservation resources. Co-Founder, The efforts to understand the threats to commercial bees should help us Pollinator partnership understand other pollinators and their roles in the environment as well.

It is imperative that we take immediate steps to help pollinator populations thrive. The beauty of the situation is that by supporting pollinators’ need for habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the natural world.

Thank you for taking time to consult this guide. By adding plants to your landscape that provide food and shelter for pollinators throughout their active seasons and by adopting pollinator friendly landscape practices, you can make a difference to both the pollinators and the people that rely on them.

Laurie Davies Adams Executive Director Pollinator Partnership

 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started

This regional guide is just one to land management practices as 7,000 feet. Open forests of in a series of plant selection tools throughout large areas. This guide ponderosa and pine grow above designed to provide information addresses pollinator-friendly land this altitude (pinyon and on how individuals can influence management practices in what still occupying southfacing slopes), pollinator populations through is known as the Arizona–New and are replaced at 8,000 feet on choices they make when they farm Mexico Mountains Semidesert, northfacing slopes by Douglas-fir a plot of ground, manage large Open Woodland, Coniferous Forest, and Aspen. At 9,000 feet the latter tracts of public land, or plant a Alpine Meadow Province. zone merges with Engelmann garden. Each of us can have a Extending from central New spruce, corkbark fir, and pines that positive impact by providing the Mexico in a cat claw-like shape, grow in rockier places. An alpine essential habitat requirements for this 50,200 square mile province belt covers relatively small areas pollinators including food, water, is primarily composed of steep above 11,000 feet. shelter, and enough space to allow foothills and mountains with Long before there were homes pollinators to raise their young. instances of deeply dissected high and farms in this area, the original, Pollinators travel through the plateaus. Elevations range from natural vegetation provided landscape without regard to 4,500 to 10,000 feet, with some continuous cover and adjacent property ownership or state mountain peaks reaching higher feeding opportunities for wildlife, boundaries. We’ve chosen to use than 12,000 feet. The climate varies including pollinators. In choosing R.G. Bailey’s classification system appreciably with altitude. Average plants, aim to create habitat for to identify the geographic focus annual temperature is between 40°F pollinators that allow adequate food of this guide and to underscore on the upper mountain slopes to shelter, and water sources. Most the connections between climate 55°F in the lower foothills. Annual pollinators have very small home and vegetation types that affect rainfall ranges from 10 to 35 inches. ranges. You can make a difference the diversity of pollinators in the This province is characterized by by understanding the vegetation environment. vegetational zones that resemble patterns of the farm, forest, or Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United those of the Rocky Mountains. neighbor’s yard adjacent to you States, developed by the United Mixed grasses, chaparral brush, and by making planting choices States Forest Service, is a system oak-juniper woodland, and that support the pollinators’ need created as a management tool pinyon-juniper woodland inhabit for food and shelter as they move and is used to predict responses the foothills which reach as high through the landscape.

Arizona–New Mexico Mountains semidesert – Open woodland – coniferous Forest – Alpine meadow province  Understanding the Arizona–New Mexico Mountains Semidesert

n This region is designated number M313 in the Baileys’ Ecosystem Provinces. To see a map of the provinces go to: www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecoreg1_provinces.html

n Not sure about which bioregion you live or work in? Go to www.pollinator.org and click on Ecoregion Locator for help.

n 50,200 square miles within central and eastern-central Arizona and west-central, central, and south-central New Mexico.

n Primarily steep foothills and mountains, including some high plateaus.

n Elevations ranging from 4,500 feet to 12,600 feet.

n Average annual temperature range from 40° to 55°F.

n Average year-round precipitation between 10-35 inches.

n USDA Hardiness Zones 4b-7b.

Characteristics

n Dominated by vegetational zones comprised of foothill grasses and brush, pine forest and forest that grows in rockier land, and an alpine belt.

n Common tree species include juniper, ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, Aspen, Engelmann Spruce, corkbark fir, and bristlecone pine.

n There is a moisture deficit during the late spring until the arrival of summer rains.

n An exceptionally high level of biological diversity in its terrestrial and riparian/aquatic habitats has been badly compromised by human impact.

 Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Arizona–New Mexico “Adding native plantings in riparian areas Mountains Semidesert Open Woodland to improve pollinator habitat makes Coniferous Forest Alpine Meadow Province sense in advancing our family farm’s includes the states of: conservation and economic objectives, Arizona New Mexico enhancing beneficial wildlife and

Texas improving pollination in our orchard and garden.”

--Lee McDaniel, Farmer and President, National Association of Conservation Districts

Arizona–New Mexico Mountains semidesert – Open woodland – coniferous Forest – Alpine meadow province  Meet the Pollinators Who are the Solitary bees include carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.), which nest in wood; pollinators? digger, or polyester bees (Colletes spp.), which nest underground; Bees leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), Bees are well documented which prefer dead trees or branches pollinators in the natural and for their nest sites; and mason bees agricultural systems of the Arizona– (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities New Mexico Mountains Semidesert. that they find in stems and dead Crops such as alfalfa, watermelon, wood. Cactus bees (Diadasia spp.) cotton and chile pepper are just a are also solitary ground nesters. few plants that benefit from bee pollinators. Butterflies Most of us are familiar with the Gardeners have been attracting colonies of honey bees that have butterflies to their gardens for been the workhorses of agricultural some time. These insects tend to pollination for years in the United be eye-catching, as are the flowers States. They were imported from that attract them. Position flowering Europe almost 400 years ago. plants where they have full sun and There are nearly 4000 species of are protected from the wind. Also, native ground and twig nesting bees you will need to provide open areas in the U.S. Some form colonies (e.g. bare earth, large stones) where while others live and work a solitary butterflies may bask, and moist soil life. Native bees currently pollinate from which they may get needed Photo Stephen Buchmann Stephen Photo many crops and can be encouraged minerals. By providing a safe place Monarch butterflies. to do more to support agricultural to eat and nest, gardeners can also endeavors if their needs for nesting support the pollination role that Protoxaea gloriosa bee habitat are met and if suitable butterflies play in the landscape. It pollinating a flower. sources of nectar, pollen, and water might mean accepting slight damage are provided. Bees have tongues of to the plants, known as host plants, varying lengths that help determine that provide food for the larval stage which flowers they can obtain nectar of the butterfly. and pollen from. A diverse group of butterflies The bumble bee (Bombus spp.) forms are present in garden areas and small colonies, usually underground. woodland edges that provide bright They are generalists, feeding on a flowers, water sources, and specific wide range of plant material from host plants. Numerous trees, , February to November and are and herbaceous plants support important pollinators of tomatoes. butterfly populations. The sweat bee (family Halictidae) Butterflies are in the Order nests underground. Various species Lepidoptera. Some of the species are solitary while others form loose in the Arizona–New Mexico Photo Stephen Buchmann Stephen Photo colonies.

 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Mountains Semidesert are Ellis’ as butterfly or bird watching. Yet members of the carrot family like Dotted Blue, Desert Elfin, Poling’s beetles do play a role in pollination. Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota). Hairstreak, and Bay Checkerspot Some have a bad reputation because butterflies. They usually look for they can leave a mess behind, flowers that provide a good landing damaging plant parts that they eat. Birds platform. Beetles are not as efficient as some Hummingbirds are the primary pollinators. They wander between birds which play a role in pollination Wet mud areas provide butterflies different species, often dropping in North America. Their long beaks with both the moisture and pollen as they go. and tongues draw nectar from minerals they need to stay healthy. tubular flowers. Pollen is carried Butterflies eat rotten fruit and even Beetle pollinated plants tend to be on both the beaks and feathers dung, so don’t clean up all the large, strong scented flowers with of different hummingbirds. The messes in your garden! their sexual organs exposed. They regions closer to the tropics, with are known to pollinate Magnolia, warmer climates, boast the largest sweetshrub (Calycanthus), paw number of hummingbird species Moths paws, and yellow pond lilies. and the greatest number of native Moths are most easily distinguished plants to support the bird’s need for from butterflies by their antennae. food. White-winged doves (Zenaida Butterfly antennae are simple with a Flies asiatica) are also pollinators of the swelling at the end. Moth antennae It may be hard to imagine why one saguaro cactus (Carnegeia gigantea) in differ from simple to featherlike, would want to attract flies to the the south central United States. but never have a swelling at the garden. However, like beetles, the tip. In addition, butterflies typically number of fly species and the fact Bright colored tubular flowers are active during the day; moths at that flies are generalist pollinators attract hummingbirds to gardens night. Butterfly bodies are not very (visit many species of plants), throughout the United States. hairy, while moth bodies are quite should encourage us all to leave Hummingbirds can see the color hairy and more stout. those flies alone and let them do red; bees cannot. Arid scrub in the their job as pollinators. Arizona–New Mexico Mountains Moths, generally less colorful Semidesert contains an abundance than butterflies, also play a role Recent research indicates that flies of flora, such as the cardinal flower, in pollination. They are attracted primarily pollinate small flowers that attract broad-billed and black- to flowers that are strongly sweet that bloom under shade and in chinned hummingbirds. smelling, open in late afternoon or seasonally moist habitats. The night, and are typically white or National Research Council’s Status pale colored. of Pollinators in North America study Bats states that flies are economically Though bats in the Arizona–New important as pollinators for a range Mexico Mountains Semidesert Beetles of annual and bulbous ornamental are not pollinators, bats play an Over 30,000 species of beetles are flowers. important role in pollination in found in the United States and Plants pollinated by the fly the other regions of the southwest many of them can be found on include the American pawpaw where they feed on agave and flower heads. Gardeners have yet (Asimina triloba), dead horse arum cactus. The long-nosed bats’ head to intentionally draw beetles to their (Helicodiceros muscivorus), skunk shape and long tongue allows it gardens, possibly because beetle cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), to delve into flower blossoms and watching isn’t as inspiring goldenrod (Solidago spp.), and extract both pollen and nectar.

Arizona–New Mexico Mountains semidesert – Open woodland – coniferous Forest – Alpine meadow province  Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Plant Which Flowers Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind Do the Trait Pollinators prefer? Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, or Bright white, Scarlet, orange, Dull white, green Dull white or Bright, including dark brown or purple; Pale and dull red, colorless; yellow, red Not all pollinators are found Color or purple green red and purple flecked with translucent purple, pink or white petals absent in each North American province, blue, or UV or white and some are more important patches or reduced in different parts of the United States. Use this page as a resource to understand the plants and Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent pollinators where you live. guides Plants can be grouped together based on the similar characteristics Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; None Faint but fresh Putrid None of their flowers. These floral Odor emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid emitted at night characteristics can be useful to predict the type of pollination method or animal that is most Abundant; Sometimes effective for that group of plants. Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply somewhat Usually present present; Usually absent None This association between floral Nectar hidden hidden hidden characteristics and pollination hidden not hidden method is called a pollination syndrome. Limited; often Abundant; small, Ample sticky Ample Modest Limited Modest in amount Limited The interactions of animal Pollen smooth, and not sticky pollinators and plants have and scented influenced the evolution of both groups of organisms. A mutualistic relationship between the pollinator Regular; bowl Shallow; have Large funnel Narrow tube with and the plant species helps the Flower Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and pollinator find necessary pollen and shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide Magnolia complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted nectar sources and helps the plant Shape during day tubular perch support landing pad reproduce by ensuring that pollen is carried from one flower to another.

This chart and more information on pollinator syndromes can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml

10 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Plant Trait Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind

Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, or Bright white, Scarlet, orange, Dull white, green Dull white or Bright, including dark brown or purple; Pale and dull red, colorless; yellow, red Color or purple green red and purple flecked with translucent purple, pink or white petals absent blue, or UV or white patches or reduced

Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent guides

Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; None Faint but fresh Putrid None Odor emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid emitted at night

Abundant; Sometimes Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply somewhat Usually present present; Usually absent None Nectar hidden hidden hidden hidden not hidden

Limited; often Abundant; small, Ample sticky Ample Modest Limited Modest in amount Limited Pollen smooth, and not sticky and scented

Regular; bowl Shallow; have Large funnel Narrow tube with Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide Magnolia complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted Shape during day tubular perch support landing pad

This chart and more information on pollinator syndromes can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml

Arizona–New Mexico Mountains semidesert – Open woodland – coniferous Forest – Alpine meadow province 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat

Whether you are a farmer not native, are very good for by butterflies during their larval of many acres, land manager of a pollinators. Mint, oregano, garlic, development. large tract of land, or a gardener chives, parsley and lavender are with a small lot, you can increase just a few herbs that can be planted. Water: the number of pollinators in your Old fashioned zinnias, cosmos, and A clean, reliable source of water is area by making conscious choices to single sunflowers support bees and essential to pollinators. include plants that provide essential butterflies. • Natural and human-made water habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, • Recognize weeds that might be a features such as running water, beetles, hummingbirds and other good source of food. For example, pools, ponds, and small containers pollinators. dandelions provide nectar in the of water provide drinking and early spring before other flowers bathing opportunities for pollinators. Food: open. Plantain is alternate host for • Ensure the water sources have the Baltimore Checkerspot. Flowers provide nectar (high in a shallow or sloping side so the • Learn and utilize Integrated Pest sugar and necessary amino acids) pollinators can easily approach the Management (IPM) practices to and pollen (high in protein) to water without drowning. address pest concerns. Minimize or pollinators. eliminate the use of pesticides. Fermenting fallen fruits also provide Your current landscape probably food for bees, beetles and butterflies. includes many of these elements. Specific plants, known as host Observe wildlife activity in your farm plants, are eaten by the larvae of Shelter: fields, woodlands, and gardens to pollinators such as butterflies. Pollinators need protection from determine what actions you can take • Plant in groups to increase severe weather and from predators to encourage other pollinators to feed pollination efficiency. If a pollinator as well as sites for nesting and and nest. Evaluate the placement of can visit the same type of flower roosting. individual plants and water sources over and over, it doesn’t have to • Incorporate different canopy and use your knowledge of specific relearn how to enter the flower layers in the landscape by planting pollinator needs to guide your choice and can transfer pollen to the same trees, shrubs, and different-sized and placement of additional plants species, instead of squandering the perennial plants. and other habitat elements. Minor pollen on unreceptive flowers. • Leave dead snags for nesting sites changes by many individuals can • Plant with bloom season in mind, of bees, and other dead plants and positively impact the pollinator providing food from early spring to leaf litter for shelter. populations in your area. Watch late fall. (see Bloom Periods pp.16-17) • Build bee boxes to encourage for - and enjoy - the changes in your • Plant a diversity of plants to solitary, non-aggressive bees to nest landscape! support a variety of pollinators. on your property. Flowers of different color, • Leave some areas of soil uncovered • CAUTION: Remember that fragrance, and season of bloom to provide ground nesting insects pesticides are largely toxic to on plants of different heights will easy access to underground tunnels. pollinators. Extreme caution is attract different pollinator species • Group plantings so that pollinators warranted if you choose to use and provide pollen and nectar can move safely through the any pesticide. Strategically apply throughout the seasons. landscape protected from predators. pesticides only for problematic • Many herbs and annuals, although • Include plants that are needed target species.

12 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms

Alfalfa, watermelon, cotton, and herbicides. Perhaps the targeted chile pepper are a few of the food weeds can provide needed food for “food supplies for crops in the Arizona-New Mexico pollinators. Mountains Semidesert Province • Minimize tillage to protect ground that will benefit from strong nesting pollinators. native bee populations that boost • Ensure water sources are scattered bees are critical pollination efficiency. Incorporate throughout the landscape. different plants throughout the • Choose a variety of native plants to farm that provide food for native act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, to maintaining populations when targeted crops and field borders throughout the are not in flower. farm. • Plant unused areas of the farm strong hives Farmers have many opportunities with temporary cover crops that to incorporate pollinator-friendly can provide food or with a variety land management practices on their of trees, shrubs, and flowers that land which will benefit the farmer provide both food and shelter for for almond in achieving his or her production pollinators. goals: • Check with your local Natural • Manage the use of pesticides Resources Conservation Service pollination to reduce the impact on native (NRCS) office to see what technical pollinators. Spray when bees aren’t and financial support might be active (just after dawn) and choose available to assist you in your effort to the following targeted ingredients. provide nectar, pollen, and larval food • Carefully consider the use of sources for pollinators on your farm. winter.” -- Dan Cummings, Chico, California almond grower. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert Carolyn by Illustrations

Arizona–New Mexico Mountains semidesert – Open woodland – coniferous Forest – Alpine meadow province 13 Public Lands

“From

hummingbirds

to beetles, to

butterflies,

nature’s

pollinators help

keep Midewin’s

Tallgrass prairie Public lands are maintained for through signs, brochures, and public specific reasons ranging from high programs. restorations impact recreation to conservation. In an effort to increase populations In the Arizona-New Mexico of pollinators the land manager can: full of diverse Mountains Semidesert, habitats • Inventory and become have been impacted by livestock knowledgeable of local pollinators. flowering grazing, timber harvesting, • Provide connectivity between exotic species invasions, and the vegetation areas by creating development associated with corridors of perennials, shrubs, and plants. Insect increased human populations. Less trees that provide pollinators shelter disturbed natural areas can be and food as they move through the monitoring augmented with plantings of native landscape. plant species. Existing plantings • Maintain a minimum of lawn areas provides a key around buildings and parking areas that support recreational needs. should be evaluated to determine • Restrict the use of pesticides and measure of our if pollinator-friendly plants can herbicides. be substituted or added to attract • Provide water sources in large and support pollinators. Public open areas. success.” land managers have a unique • Maintain natural meadows and -- Logan Lee opportunity to use their plantings openings that provide habitats for as an education tool to help others sun-loving wildflowers and grasses. Prairie Supervisor, Midewin understand the importance of • Remove invasive species and National Tallgrass Prairie pollinators in the environment encroaching shrubs and trees.

14 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes

Gardeners have a wide array of The scale of your plantings will vary “A garden is plants to use in their gardens. but it is important to remember Native plants, plants introduced that you are trying to provide only as rich and from years of plant exploration connectivity to the landscape from around the world, and plants adjacent to your property. Don’t beautiful as the developed by professional and just look within your property amateur breeders can be found in boundaries. If your neighbor’s integral health garden centers, in catalogs, and property provides an essential on web-sites. Use your knowledge element, such as water, which can of pollinator needs to guide your be utilized by pollinators visiting of the system; choices. your land, you may be able to • Choose a variety of plants that devote more space to habitat pollinators will provide nectar and pollen elements that are missing nearby. throughout the growing season. It is best to use native plants which are essential to • Resist the urge to have a totally have evolved to support the needs manicured lawn and garden. Leave of specific native pollinators. Some the system - make bare ground for ground nesting pollinators, however, are generalists bees. Leave areas of dead wood and and visit many different plants, both your home their leaf litter for other insects. native and non-native. Be sure that • Strive to eliminate the use of all any non-native plants you choose home. pesticides. to use are not invasive. Remember ” • Find local resources to help you that specialized cultivars sometimes -- Derry MacBride in your efforts. Contact your local aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers National Affairs and county extension agent or native that have been drastically altered, legislation Chairwoman, plant society. Visit your regional such as those that are double or botanic gardens and arboreta. a completely different color than garden club of America the wild species, often prevent pollinators from finding and feeding on the flowers. In addition, some altered plants don’t contain the same nectar and pollen resources that attract pollinators to the wild types.

• CAUTION: Take time to evaluate the source of your plant material. You want to ensure you get plants that are healthy and correctly identified. Your local native plant society can help you make informed decisions when searching for plants.

Arizona–New Mexico Mountains semidesert – Open woodland – coniferous Forest – Alpine meadow province 15 BLOOM PERIODS FOR THE Arizona–New Mexico Mountains Semidesert

The following chart lists plants and the time they are in bloom throughout the growing seasons. Choose a variety of flower colors and make sure something is blooming at all times! Note for all charts: When more than one species of the same genus is useful, the genus name is followed by “spp.”

Botanical Common Name Name April May June July Aug Sept Oct Trees & Shrubs

Fallugia paradoxa Apache plume white white white white white white white

Fendlera rupicola cliff fendlerbush white white white white white white white

Dasiphora shrubby fruticosa ssp. yellow yellow cinquefoil floribunda

Prunus virginiana chokecherry white white

Robinia New Mexico rose-pink rose-pink rose-pink rose-pink neomexicana locust

Rosa woodsii Woods’ rose rose-pink rose-pink rose-pink

Perennial Flowers

Achillea common yarrow white white white white millefolium

Bill Williams white to white to white to white to Agastache Mountain giant deep rose- deep rose- deep rose- deep rose- pallidiflora hyssop purple purple purple purple

purple to purple to purple to purple to Calypso bulbosa fairy slipper magenta magenta magenta magenta

wholeleaf Indian Castilleja integra orange orange orange orange orange paintbrush

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Common Name Name April May June July Aug Sept Oct blue to blue to blue to Erigeron speciosus aspen fleabane violet violet violet

Gentiana affinis pleated gentain blue blue blue

Hymenoxys yellow to yellow to yellow to owl’s-claws hoopesii orange orange orange

Ipomopsis orange to orange to orange to orange to orange to orange to aggregata ssp. scarlet gilia scarlet scarlet scarlet scarlet scarlet scarlet formosissima Rocky Mountain blue to blue to Iris missouriensis blue to violet iris violet violet

blue to blue to blue to blue to Lupinus argenteus silvery lupine purple purple purple purple

Mertensia Franciscan blue blue blue franciscana bluebells

Oxytropis sericea white locoweed white white white white white white white

Penstemon upright blue light blue light blue light blue light blue virgatus beardtongue

Penstemon Whipple’s dull purple dull purple dull purple dull purple whippleanus penstemon

Rhodiola reddish- reddish- reddish- reddish- ledge stonecrop integrifolia purple purple purple purple

Sidalcea salt spring rose- rose-purple rose-purple rose-purple neomexicana checkerbloom purple

Thermopsis mountain yellow to yellow to yellow to yellow to montana goldenbanner orange orange orange orange

Arizona–New Mexico Mountains semidesert – Open woodland – coniferous Forest – Alpine meadow province 17 Plants that attract pollinators FOR THE Arizona–New Mexico Mountains Semidesert The following chart lists plants that attract pollinators. It is not exhaustive, but provides guidance on where to start. Annuals, herbs, weeds, and cover crops provide food and shelter for pollinators, too.

Flower Also Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Sun Soil Visitation by a Season host Trees & Shrubs

Fallugia gravelly bees, flies, Apache plume white 3-6’ Apr-Oct full sun paradoxa alluvium butterflies, moths

bees, flies, rupicola cliff fendlerbush white 3-6’ Apr-Oct full sun rocky butterflies, moths

Dasiphora shrubby clay to sandy bees, flies, fruticosa ssp. yellow 2-4’ Jun-Jul full sun cinquefoil loam butterflies floribunda

full sun to bees, flies, Prunus virginiana chokecherry white 6-30’ May-Jun various partial shade butterflies

Robinia New Mexico full sun to full clay to sandy rose-pink 10-30’ Apr-Jul bees, bumblebees neomexicana locust shade loam

full sun to full clay loam to bees, flies, Rosa woodsii Woods’ rose rose-pink 2-3’ Jun-Aug shade sandy loam butterflies

Perennial Flowers

Achillea bees, flies, common yarrow white 6-12” May-Aug full sun various millefolium butterflies, moths

Bill Williams white to Agastache partial to full butterflies, bees, Mountain giant deep rose- 12-30” Jul-Oct loamy pallidiflora shade hummingbirds hyssop purple

purple to Calypso bulbosa fairy slipper 3-8” May-Aug full shade humus bumblebees magenta

wholeleaf Indian Castilleja integra orange 12-16” May-Sep full sun rocky mineral hummingbirds paintbrush

Erigeron bees, flies, aspen fleabane blue to violet 18-24” Jul-Sep full sun loamy speciosus butterflies

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Flower Also Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Sun Soil Visitation by a Season host

Gentiana affinis pleated gentain blue 4-12” Jul-Sep full sun rocky to loamy bumblebees

Hymenoxys yellow to full sun to bees, flies, owl’s-claws 12-30” Jul-Sep rocky to loamy hoopesii orange partial shade butterflies, moths

Ipomopsis orange to full sun to aggregata ssp. scarlet gilia 18-24” May-Oct rocky mineral hummingbirds scarlet partial shade formosissima

Rocky Mountain Iris missouriensis blue to violet 16-30” May-Jul full sun wet loamy bumblebees iris

Lupinus blue to silvery lupine 12-30” Jun-Sep full sun various bees, bumblebees argenteus purple

Mertensia Franciscan partial to full bees, bumblebees, blue 12-24” Jun-Aug wet loamy franciscana bluebells shade flies, butterflies

Oxytropis sericea white locoweed white 8-16” Apr-Oct full sun loamy bees, bumblebees

Penstemon upright blue bees, light blue 2-3’ Jun-Sep full sun rocky mineral virgatus beardtongue hummingbirds

Penstemon Whipple’s partial to full dull purple 1-2’ Jun-Sep rocky mineral bees whippleanus penstemon shade

Rhodiola reddish- ledge stonecrop 8-12” Jun-Sep full sun damp rocky butterflies, bees integrifolia purple

Sidalcea salt spring full sun to bees, bumblebees, rose-purple 2-3’ Jun-Sep wet loamy neomexicana checkerbloom partial shade flies, butterflies

Thermopsis mountain yellow to full sun to 1-2’ Apr-Jul loamy bees, bumblebees montana goldenbanner orange partial shade

Arizona–New Mexico Mountains semidesert – Open woodland – coniferous Forest – Alpine meadow province 19 Habitat Hints FOR THE Arizona–New Mexico Mountains Semidesert

HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR BEE-POLLINATED GARDEN FLOWERS AND CROPS Lg Sm Squash/ Yellow- Bumble Digger Leafcutter Mason Sweat Plasterer Andrenid Carpenter Carpenter Gourd faced F lowers Catalpa x Catnip x x x Clover x x Columbine x Cow parsley x Goldenrod x x x x Impatiens x Irises x x Lavender x x x x Milkwort x Morning glory x Penstemon x x x Passion flowers x Phacelia x x x x x x x x Potentilla x Rose x x x x x Salvia x x x x x Saxifrages x x Sorrel x Sunflowers x x x x x x x x Violet x x Wild Mustard x x Willow catkins x x C rops Almond x x x Apple x Blueberry x x x Cherry x x Eggplant x x x Gooseberry x x Legumes x x x x Water melon x x Squash/ Pumpkins/ x x Gourds Tomatoes x x x x Thyme x x x x x

20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Habitat and Nesting requirements:

Bumble Bees: Abandoned mouse nests, other rodent burrows, upside down flower pots, under boards, and other human-made cavities. Colonies are founded by a queen in the spring and don’t die out in the fall. New queens mate then and overwinter in a sort of hibernation. Bumble bees are usually active during the morning hours and forage at colder temperatures than honey bees, even flying in light rain.

Large carpenter bees: Soft dead wood, poplar, cottonwood or willow trunks and limbs, structural timbers including redwood. Depending on the species, there may be one or two brood cycles per year. These bees can be active all day even in the hottest weather.

Digger bees: Sandy soil, compacted soils, bank sides. Anthophorid bees (now in the Apidae) are usually active in the morning hours, but can be seen at other times.

Small carpenter bees: Pithy stems including roses and blackberry canes. These bees are more active in the morning but can be found at other times. “MONARCH Squash and Gourd bees: Sandy soil, may nest in gardens (where pumpkins, squash and gourds are grown) or BUTTERFLIES pathways. These bees are early risers and can be found in pumpkin patches before dawn. Males often sleep in the wilted flowers. NEVER FAIL TO Leafcutter bees: Pre-existing circular tunnels of various diameters in dead but sound wood created by emerging beetles, some nest in the ground. Leave dead limbs and trees to support not CATCH THE just pollinators but other wildlife. Leafcutter bees can be seen foraging throughout the day even in hot weather. VISITOR’S EYE Mason bees: Pre-existing tunnels, various diameters in dead wood made by emerging beetles, or AND ALWAYS human-made nesting substrates, drilled wood boards, paper soda straws inserted into cans attached to buildings. Mason bees are generally more active in the morning hours. LEAD TO Sweat bees: Bare ground, compacted soil, sunny areas not covered by vegetation. Like most bees, sweat bees forage for pollen earlier in the morning and then for nectar later. A TEACHABLE

Plasterer or cellophane bees: Bare ground, banks or cliffs. Colletid bees can be active in the morning or later in the day. MOMENT.” Yellow-faced bees: -- LOGAN LEE, In dead stems. These bees are more active during morning hours. PRAIRIE SUPERVISOR Andrenid bees: Sunny, bare ground, sand soil, under leaf litter or in soil in banksides and cliffs. These MIDEWIN NATIONAL generally spring-active bees are most commonly seen on flowers during the morning when pollen and nectar resources are abundant. TALLGRASS PRAIRIE

Arizona–New Mexico Mountains semidesert – Open woodland – coniferous Forest – Alpine meadow province 21 A Basic Checklist

Become familiar with pollinators in your landscape.

n Watch for activity throughout the day and the seasons. n Keep a simple notebook of when and what comes to your garden. NOTE: It is not necessary to identify each species when you first get started. Simply note if it is a bee that likes the yellow flower that blooms in the fall. n Consult a local field guide or web site when you are ready to learn more details.

Add native plants to attract more native pollinators.

n List the plants you currently have in your landscape. n Determine when you need additional flowers to provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. n Add plants that provide additional seasons of bloom, create variable heights for shelter, and attract the types of pollinators you want. n Don’t forget to include host plants that provide food and shelter for larval development. n Contact your local native plant society or extension agent for more help.

Use pollinator friendly landscape practices to support the pollinators you attract.

n Use Integrated Pest Management Practices to address pest concerns. n Tolerate a little mess – leave dead snags and leaf litter, keep areas bare for ground nesting insects, and leave some weeds that provide food for pollinators. n Provide safe access to clean water.

Notice the changes that you have helped to create!

22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Resources

Many books, websites, and people Status of Pollinators in North America Butterflies and Moths were consulted to gather information The National Academies Press: for this guide. Use this list as a Washington, DC. Opler, Paul A., Harry Pavulaan, starting point to learn more about Ray E. Stanford, Michael Pogue, pollinators and plants in your area. Native Plants coordinators. 2006. Butterflies and Moths of North America. Bozeman, MT: NBII Mountain Prairie Bailey’s Ecoregion Maps Plant Conservation Alliance www.nps.gov/plants Information Node. www.butterfliesandmoths.org/ USDA Forest Service Seeds of Success (Version 07192007) http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ www.nps.gov/plants/sos ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Pyle, Robert Michael. 1981. National Center Audubon Society Field Guide to Pollination/Pollinators www.wildflower.org/plants/ Butterflies. Alfred A. Knopf: New York, NY. USDA Hardiness Zone Map Pollinator Partnership www.usna.usda/Hardzone/ www.pollinator.org Jim Brock and Kenn Kaufman. U.S. National Arboretum Coevolution Institute 2003. Butterflies of North America. www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ www.coevolution.org Houghton Mifflin. New York, NY. ushzmap.html Natural Resources North American Buterfly Association Conservation Service USDA, NRCS. 2007. The PLANTS www.naba.org www.nrcs.usda.gov Database North American Pollinator www.plants.usda.gov, 19 July, 2007 Feedback Protection Campaign National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA www.nappc.org We need your help to create better USDA Forest Service guides for other parts of North Native Bees www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/ America. Please e-mail your input Wild Farm Alliance National Sustainable Information to [email protected] www.wildfarmalliance.org Service or fax to 415-362-3070. Xerces Society Pollinator Program “Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees” n www.xerces.org by Lane Greer, NCAT Agriculture How will you use this guide? Shepherd, MD, S. Buchmann, Specialist, Published 1999, ATTRA n M. Vaughan, and S. Black. Publication #IP126 Do you find the directions 2003. Pollinator Conservation www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/ clear? If not, please tell us Handbook. Xerces Society for nativebee.html what is unclear. Invertebrate Conservation. n Is there any information you Portland, OR. Agriculture Research Service feel is missing from the guide? Illinois Natural History Survey Plants Attractive to Native Bees table www.inhs.uiuc.edu www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs. n Any other comments? htm?docid=12052 Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators Christopher O’Toole and Anthony Thank you Island Press: Washington, DC. Raw. 1999. Bees of the World. Committee on the Status of Blandford. London, UK. for taking Pollinators in North America. 2007. the time to help!

Arizona–New Mexico Mountains semidesert – Open woodland – coniferous Forest – Alpine meadow province 23 Research and Writing: Elizabeth L. Ley Larry Stritch, PH.D. NAPPC Gil Soltz

Editorial: Laurie Davies Adams and Larry Stritch, Ph.D.

Production Supervision: Gil Soltz

Design: Marguerite Meyer

Plant Conservation Alliance Concept review: American Farm Bureau Federation, Ron Gaskell Bureau of Land Management, Peggy Olwell, Carol Spurrier, Mary Byrne, Mary Tisdale, Elizabeth Wooster National Garden Association, Susanne DeJohn Plant Conservation Alliance – Edward Fletcher, Jean Giblette, Mary Ann Lawler, Ron Smith Smithsonian Institute, Department of Botany, Gary Krupnick, Ph.D. USDA - CSREES, Greg Crosby, Ph.D., Leslie Gilbert, Ph.D. USDA - Forest Service, David Pivorunas, Larry Stritch, Ph.D. USDA - Natural Resource Conservation Service, Doug Holy, Hilda Diaz-Soltero USDOI - US Fish and Wildlife Service, Karen Anderson, Don MacLean, Patricia DeAngelis, Ph.D. USGS - Steve Hilburger, Elizabeth Sellers

Photo Contributor: Stephen Buchmann

Illustrations: Carolyn Vibbert

For a copy of this brochure, or for another region, visit www.pollinator.org The Pollinator Partnership™/North American Pollinator Protection Campaign 423 Washington St., 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111 – 415-362-1137 24 www.pollinator.org d www.nappc.org Selecting Plants for Pollinators