CONTENTS

Introduction 2 Gardening Basics 3 Wild About Butterflies 6 Wild About Birds 11 THE SONORAN DESERT

SURROUNDING TUCSON is renowned for its natural beauty and biological diversity. The beauty of the area draws new residents, but the growing population puts WILD ABOUT GARDENING: pressure on wildlife Invite Nature into your Landscape

habitat. This "\V,lhy garden for birds and butterflies? Well, for starters it's W interesting, fun, educational, and it's also beneficial to our gardeners' guide was flighty friends. A primary threat to both butterfly and bird developed to raise populations is habitat loss; however, sanctuaries for these delightful creatures do not have to be very large. We can begin with our own awareness, knowledge, backyards-restoring habitat one yard at a time. Birds and butterflies will come to our gardens if we provide what they need. and appreciation for One wildlife-friendly garden may be of limited benefit, but your garden can be just the beginning. Encourage your neighbors to desert plants and follow your example. By allowing nature back into our cities, we are not only helping the environment, but also enhancing our animals, and to quality of life. The reward for us is the arrival of comely creatures encourage people to to our gardens; the reward for wildlife is that they continue to find places to live, even in our growing cities. create desert-friendly For more than 25 years Tucson Botanical Gardens has been gardens that support educating the public on the special relationships between gardening and the desert. Although situated in the very center of a wildlife and make up large metropolitan area, the Gardens has attracted more than 90 species of birds and 40 species of butterflies to its diverse grounds. for lost habitat. In 2002 the Gardens received a leadership grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for a project called "Desert Connections." With these funds, and in partnership with Tucson­ Pima Public Libraries, we initiated a series of lectures about conservation through gardening with wildflowers and gardening to attract birds and butterflies. An extensive database and this cover photos: gardeners' guide were also important components of the project. lg, JPB sm, GKA A complete table of the best bird and butterfly plants for the art NMC Tucson area is available at www.desertconnections.org.

2 Wild About G GARDENING BASICS FOR THE TUCSON AREA

Seasons summer Summer is really two seasons: a dry "fore-summer" (May - June) and a summer rainy season (July- September), which ushers in occasional to frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Both seasons are hot, with high temperatures ranging from the mid-90s to low 100s.

fall (late September - early November) Fall months are typically warm to hot with cool nights. The first frost may arrive in early November, but this is not easy to predict. Many late-season flowers bloom during the warm days of fall, and this is the ideal time period for planting a variety of species. Soils Tucson's soils are alkaline and range winter (late November - February) Winter climate varies from cold, from rocky in the foothills areas to wet storms accompanied by freezes, to balmy periods with days in the sandy or day-laden in the valley. ?Os. If plentiful, seasonal rains in fall and winter set the stage for Although rich in minerals, they spectacular blooms in the desert the following spring. contain little organic matter. Most native plants do well in unimproved spring (late February - early May) Spring days are pleasant, with desert soil as long as it drains well. occasional rains early on and then a gradual drying and intensifying of Drainage refers to the ability of heat toward May. Moderate temperatures make it an important water to pass through the root zone; growing season. Windy days are common. when water pools in one area, roots may be deprived of oxyen. Water Drainage in heavy soils may be Many gardeners use drip or other types of automatic irrigation improved with the addition of sand systems, along with hand-watering with hoses or sprinklers. Some and compost. It's common to find a collect rainwater from rooftops; simple channels lined with rock can hard layer of dissolved calcium, guide roof-collected water to trees and shrubs. "Gray water" may also called caliche, below the surface of be used for watering landscapes in Arizona as long as the water does desert soil. Caliche impedes drain­ not remain pooled or run outside your yard. Gray water is wastewater age, so try to break it up with a collected from clothes washers, bathtubs, showers, and laundry or digging-bar before planting. bathroom sinks. Do not use water from kitchen sinks or toilets. new plants: With their limited root systems, new plantings need to be carefully watered several times a week, or more frequently in hot, dry weather. Thoroughly soak the root ball and the soil around it, so new roots can push into the soil easily. Frequency of watering may also depend on how windy it is, because wind hastens evaporation.

maturing plants: Root systems take one to two years to become established. As plants mature, you may water less often, but you may need to water more deeply to create a reservoir for roots to draw upon-for trees, up to two feet in depth. As trees and shrubs get larger, you should increase the circumference of the area watered. During the heat of summer, watering schedules for established landscapes might look like this: very low (once a month or less): established cactus, ocotillo, agave, yucca low (every 2 - 4 weeks): desert trees and shrubs moderate (every 1 - 2 weeks): vines, groundcovers, small shrubs high (more than once a week): containers, herbs, veggies, seasonal flowers, roses, and other non-desert adapted plants The frequency of watering may be cut nearly in half with cooler weather. Cacti and succulents generally do not need water in winter, except from the rain.

Wild About Garder GARDENING BASICS

Sun In the Southwest, sunshine plays a particularly significant role in planning and caring for your garden. Many potted plants and delicate succulents appreciate filtered light under airy desert trees or ramadas covered with vines or shade cloth. western exposures are hot in the afternoon. Use tough plants that can take the heat. Watering may need to be frequent. eastern exposures get full sun in the morning and relief from sun in the afternoon. A wide variety of plants thrive here. southern exposures receive sun all day, even in winter. Plants that adore sunlight thrive in southern exposures. South-facing walls are the best places for cold-tender plants. northern exposures do not get sun in the winter. North-facing walls are mainly useful for summer plantings, where they are likely to receive sun for a good part of the day.

Planting Tips trees and shrubs: Dig the planting to it. Sturdy leather gloves work too. To A few tips: hole about the same depth as the avoid rot, don't put any green part of a "l' Clay pots keep roots cooler nursery container and two to three cactus below the ground. If it is un­ because evaporating water cools times as wide-most roots travel stable, use rocks both in the planting the pot. Plastic pots, especially sideways. Soaking the ground the day hole and above to stabilize it. dark colors, absorb heat and before makes digging easier. When Landscape cacti can take the sun but can overheat roots. Yet they are planting, never place any part of the may still sunburn after transplanting. To lighter weight and hold living trunk beneath the surface, even prevent this, ask the nursery to mark the moisture longer. If you use for stability. If a tree seems wobbly, side of the cactus that received the most plastic pots, locate them in loosely tie it between two stakes. When sun and orient it in the same direction more sheltered locations. replacing soil during the planting when you transplant. A new cactus in '\7• Group pots close together in process, tamp it gently but firmly the landscape needs a soak every two very hot or cold weather to around the root ball. Build a low dike weeks the first summer, then taper off, minimize exposure to extreme around the planting hole to hold water. with little or none in the winter. temperatures. After planting, soak until the soil is wet containers: It's amazing what can be Mulch with bark or other cover to the depth of the root ball. '"1' grown in pots and other containers on for a finished look. cacti: It never hurts to have a helper patios, balconies, porches, and in small \l Use one or two pot-shards or when wrangling cacti. If the plant is gardens: dwarf citrus trees, small rocks over the drain hole-not large, lay it on a heavy piece of cloth or flowering shrubs, cacti, vines, flowers, to block it, but to keep soil canvas and carry it like a sick person. herbs, and vegetables. Even apartment from washing out. To stand it up, lasso it gently with a and townhouse dwellers can create small rope, while your helper guides the root butterfly and hummingbird gardens. '1' Every few years re-pot root­ into the planting hole. You can also use Handsome, roomy pots are easy to find, bound plants into larger pieces of canvas to help you "hold on" along with quality potting soil. containers; or lift them, prune roots, and replant in fresh soil.

4 Wild About Gardening FOR THE TUCSON AREA

At the Nursery Native Plants & the Law You can find the plants suggested in this guide at Wildlife has a natural affinity for native plants, various local nurseries. and we recommend many Sonoran Desert natives in ~-)-- Desert plant nurseries offer a wide choice of this booklet, as well as a number of Chihuahuan arid-adapted trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, Desert natives. These are easy to grow, have minimal and accent plants. water requirements, and don't require fertilization or much maintenance. Although collecting native S> Specialty nurseries focus on particular types of plants from the wild is illegal, many species-trees, plants, e.g., native plants or cacti and succu­ shrubs, perennials, and cacti-are propagated by lents, often with an imaginative selection. local specialty nurseries. '7>- Botanical gardens' nurseries may have regular Luckily, nursery-grown plants transplant better hours, but most offer seasonal plant sales with anyway. If someone wishes to give you a native selections reflecting their horticultural and plant, such as a cactus, from their own private educational focus. property, you must obtain a transportation permit Agriculture in trees, shrubs, groundcovers, vines, and accent Tucson. The cost is currently about $5 per plant. plants, along with flowers, vegetables and herbs. If someone is selling wild-collected cacti or other Often they will carry a variety of desert plants, plants, each plant must have a collecting permit tag and some natives. attached. If there is no permit tag, don't buy it.

fef: oupai case oi the CiOudless Sulphu,

Exotics and Invasives In1portance of Insects Exotic plants are those that do not occur naturally Butterflies get most of the press, but any way you in a given region. Tucson gardeners use many look at it, insects are essential in the garden. The exotics successfully-from citrus to roses, rosemary services insects provide-pollination, soil aeration, to pyracantha. By and large these plants do fairly and the breaking down of decaying matter-are basic well under cultivation, but would otherwise not to the life cycle of any garden. thrive in the desert. Keep pesticides out of the garden; insects are naturally kept in check by birds and other animals. Invasive plants are exotics that enter a natural When you see a plant overrun by insects, it may ecosystem and actually alter it, sometimes causing mean the plant is stressed in some way. dramatic ecological and economic damage. ~ It's not happy with its location-too shady, too Some invasive species have been introduced by sunny, poor drainage. agriculture, but a few have moved from ornamental l(i It's not happy in the desert-alkaline soil, heat landscapes into the desert. One example is the ubiqu­ stress, hot winds. itous fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum), which ~ It's not happy with you-too much love or jumps easily from gardens, sneakers, and tires to neglect. roadsides and washes and on into the desert, where ~ - Its life cycle is ending, and insects are helping it it out-competes native plants, displacing those that wind down. contribute resources to the local ecosystem. Foun­ tain grass is rated as one of the most aggressive and Or perhaps it is a larval foodplant for a particular destructive invasive plant threats in Arizona. butterfly-something you may want in your garden.

Wild About Gardening 5 WILD ABOUT BUTTERFLIES

Nearly 400 utterflies are happy to come to our gardens if we [butterfly] Bprovide what they need: flowering plants that provide nectar for adult . . butterflies to eat, and host plants where they can lay their eggs and which will species occur 1n nourish their caterpillars. Add plenty of sun, some shade and moisture, and the Southwest, you're all set. Beyond the pure pleasure we derive from watching the flight of these elegant creatures, we benefit from services they render in our gardens more than and in the desert around us. Along with hummingbirds, bees, and many other half the total insects, butterflies play an important role in pollination, an essential process for many of our flowering plants. number in all In our mild climate, we can provide sources of nectar nearly year round, and of North many butterflies are on the wing in all seasons. In spring, annual and perennial America. wildflowers provide plenty of nectar. By summer, heat-loving flowers take over: red bird of paradise, lantana, butterfly bush, cosmos, and blue mist Richard A. Bailowitz and flower are all good choices. During the cooling days of fall, the golden flowers Doug Danforth, of mountain marigold and rabbitbrush extend the bloom. 70 Common Butterflies ofthe Southwest Butterflies are closely tied to the plants on which their caterpillars, or larvae, feed. These are called larval foodplants. Southern Dogface use daleas; Empress Leilias use desert hackberry; Leda Ministreak caterpillars feed on mesquite;

Swallowtail Giant Swallowtails use citrus plants; and the caterpillars of Black Swallowtails feed on parsley and rue. It's easy to integrate caterpillar foodplants into existing landscapes as background plants, shade trees, colorful accents, and herbs.

For a truly effective butterfly garden, a tolerance for holey leaves is recommended. Caterpillars rarely do any permanent damage. Let them nibble your plants, because the reward will be beautiful adult butterflies for all to Oueen on eupatonum enjoy. And some of your birdlife will be happy to pick off a caterpillar or two, helping to keep numbers in check.

On the following pages we provide tips for attracting butterflies to the garden, along with specific descriptions and gardening tips for six plants and the butterflies that they attract.

l') ca I-

6 Wild About Gardening Black Swallowtail Some butterflies commonly .--~ t••····· , .... ,~t- ,...., seen in Tucson ~ ... "' "' I' ·~, ,: -...... ~/ SWALLOWTAILS -. ... Pipevine Swallowtail Cloudless Sulphw Black Swallowtail Giant Swallowtail

WHITES & SULPHURS

JPB Cabbage White Checkered White Clouded Sulphur Butterfly Garden Tips Orange Sulphur Butterflies are warm-weather fans, so choose a warm, Southern Dogface sunny location. Cloudless Sulphur Manne Blue Create windbreaks by planting shrubs or trees. Butterflies Large Orange Sulphur don't like to be buffeted by the wind and won't have to Sleepy Orange expend extra energy as they fly about looking for food Mexican Yellow and mates. Boisduval's Yellow Dainty Sulphur Provide shade. Even these sun-loving creatures need some shade, particularly when the temperature rises above GOSSAMER WINGS 95 degrees. Gray Hairstreak Include flat stones or rocks. Butterflies like places to rest Reakirt's Blue A merican Snout and places to bask in the sun. Ceraunus Blue Provide areas of damp soil. Male butterflies like to take in Marine Blue salts and nutrients from muddy soils. Western Pygmy-Blue

SNOUTS Plants & Flowers American Snout BRUSHFOOTS Sleepv Ornnge Include a variety of larval foodplants, which supply leaves Gulf Fritillary for caterpillars to eat. Variegated Fritillary Group flowering plants. Masses of colorful, fragrant Elada Checkerspot flowers are more likely to capture the attention of a Texan Crescent passing butterfly. Plants placed here and there will not Mourning Cloak be nearly as effective as five flowering plants clustered Painted Lady together. West Coast Lady Choose flowers that have short throats, are flat-topped Red Admiral O ueen (like Mexican sunflower) or clustered (like verbena). Common Buckeye Butterflies like landing pads where they can sit com­ Tropical Buckeye fortably to sip nectar. Empress Leilia Most butterflies prefer flowers in the yellow, orange, red, Monarch and pink range, but they will also visit flowers of other Queen colors. SKIPPERS Plant with different blooming periods in mind. Butterflies Funereal Duskywing G1dnt Swd ll o 'Vta I may be on the wing year round in our area. White Common " '

Checkered-Skipper a:, Keep herbicides or pesticides out of the butterfly o._ Orange Skipperling --, >- garden. Herbicides may kill the larval foodplants; ...D Fiery Skipper _g _g pesticides kill both caterpillars and adult butterflies. Eufala Skipper o._

Wild About Gardening 7 A SAMPLING OF PLANTS AND THE BUTTERFLIES THEY ATTRACT

BLUE MIST FLOWER GOODDING VERBENA Ageratum corymbosum Glandularia gooddingii These pretty blue flowers are magnets Mounds of lavender flowers and for male Queen butterflies that flit colorful butterflies are the reward for around this long-blooming perennial planting this long-blooming perennial. from mid-summer through fall. This Also known as desert verbena, this is an essential plant for butterfly native provides nectar for many kinds gardens and mixes well with other of butterflies. nectar plants such as lantana. To get verbena up and blooming, Grow blue mist in a large pot or plant nursery starts in rhe fall. Leaves in improved garden soil. Plant with and roots will establish all through the other perennials of moderate water winter, and blooming may begin as needs near patios, pools, or wherever early as February. Desert verbena is not flowers and butterflies may be easily fussy about soil, but periodic irrigation seen. and full sun are best for flowering. Blue mist flower blooms best Water once a week during blooming with at least a half day of sun season to elicit mounding masses of (preferably morning) or in bright lavender flowers. filtered light. Water every four to During cold winter and hot seven days, depending on sun summer days, desert verbena may exposure. This plant wilts noticeably brown and die back. Prune to several when it needs water. Prune blue mist inches above the ground prior to the flower hard in late winter/early spring flush of growth, and again in spring and again in early summer to July as rains begin. encourage new growth. Mix desert verbena with other perennial wildflowers for a low-water­ use flower garden: penstemon, QUEEN blackfoot daisy, desert marigold, desert Danaus gilippus globe mallow, and dogweed. In Common in our region, Queens are naturalistic landscapes, let Goodding mostly dark orange-brown with white verbena dot the landscape with laven­ spots on black bodies and black wing verbena goodding ii der by planting next to rocks, which margins. Males seek out particular hold moisture in the soil. It works kinds of flowers (Ageratum, Eupato­ well with accent plants such as desert rium spp.) to obtain alkaloids they spoon, yuccas, cacti, and ocotillo. require for breeding. Milkweeds There are other related plants (Asclepias spp.) are their larval food­ labeled "verbena." All have colorful plants. Milkweeds contain toxins that clusters of flowers and provide nectar Queens store in their own tissues, for butterflies, but some, such as rock making both caterpillars and adults verbena (Verbena tenuisecta), are more disagreeable to predators. comfortable in desert gardens; the many varieties of Peruvian verbena may thrive in patio pots with some pampermg. Western Pygmy-Blue 8 Wild About Gardening BLOOD FLOWER Asclepias curassavica Named for its rich red flowers, this perennial adds fire to any small patio DOGWEED garden. It is a foodplant for the Thymophylla pentachaeta caterpillars of Queen and Monarch Dogweed is an unfortunate name for butterflies. Hummingbirds also find this charming native wildflower. If nectar in the flowers, and the fruits and you welcome this petite perennial into seeds are relished by several species of your garden, be sure to check it for birds. Verdins and Cactus Wrens may Dainty Sulphurs that may be seeking dogweed use the silken down surrounding the a place to lay their eggs. co seeds for nesting material. --,0.

Dogweed is not fussy about Plant bloodflower from one-gallon growing conditions and accepts most containers in spring or late summer. soil types, but good drainage is For best bloom, locate in a spot that preferable. Sow seeds in fall for peak receives at least a half day of sun, bloom in spring, although plants may preferably morning sun. Bloodflower bloom on and off all year. If you find needs some pampering and works best starts at a nursery, set them out in in pots, planters, or small beds. fall. Full sun is best, but avoid the Water requirements are moderate: reflected heat of western exposures. once a week if it's in the ground and If dogweed turns brown during two to three times a week if planted in long dry periods, or becomes scraggly, Da,nty Su lphur a container. If the plant receives too it may be snipped low to the ground. much water, the stems become floppy Usually there is life at the base of the and unattractive. plant and in the root zone; new Bloodflower blooms madly in late growth quickly appears following summer. In winter, it may freeze to the irrigation or good rain. ground. On very cold nights, cover or This low-growing perennial may wrap the plant with frost cloth or a be scattered in a flower bed, dotted towel to ensure survival of the root. here and there in a desert landscape, After frost danger has passed, prune or used as an edging. It may be away damaged stems. snipped or mowed or used between stepping stones. Dogweed reseeds prolifically. MONARCH bloodfower Danaus plexippus Monarchs are probably the most DAIN1Y SULPHUR famous of all North American butter­ Nathalis iole flies. Millions of Monarchs migrate Smallest of the sulphurs, Dainty from eastern and central North America Sulphurs are common in open _.- .:~., .. ...: S~,~ to spend the winter in the mountain habitats, including deserts, fields, and . -- .·.:.~~ forests of central Mexico. Their large, , ... -. ..,. __ " vacant lots. They usually flutter \ .... ' . rich cinnamon-orange wings are veined f, ' ;-:·,;•,:,.· .· . ' within inches of the ground as they ~ ,,.. ' ' ~•\_, ,,. _ .. . with black. Monarch caterpillars feed • I I•.•' •. _. ·.·· \,,. seek reflected warmth. In flight they , primarily on milkweeds, which make \ .-:t- =··\-,':•:-.: i-. ' look greenish yellow, with a yellow '/ .. -"""""'- the caterpillars and adult butterflies and black wing surface. r distasteful to predators, a protective device. Monarch Wild About Gardening 9 A SAMPLING OF PLANTS AND THE BUTTERFLIES THEY ATTRACT

PASSION VINE Passiflora foetida RED BIRD OF PARADISE This annual vine native to the Caesalpinia pulcherrima Sonoran Desert bears elegant flowers Red bird of paradise is one of the with a somewhat "fetid" odor. Allowed most spectacular blooming shrubs co twine in a corner of the garden or for the desert landscape. Its lush patio, it delights both by its form and growth and bright, exotic flowers give flower and by the bright orange Gulf it an appealing tropical look. It is a Fritillaries it attracts. nectar plant for swallowtails, sulphurs, and other butterfly species, as well as Plant passion vine when it's passior v•ne flower for birds such as orioles. warm-from April to August-where it gets at least a half day of sun. Water Plant red birds in full sun in daily at first, then every few days. spring or late summer. Water deeply Grow in a large pot or in improved soil once a week during the first year, less in the ground. Next to it, fashion a often in winter. As the plant ages, trellis or use a tall sturdy stake five to water every two to four weeks seven feet tall, wrapping the stake depending on how much sun it loosely with chicken or rabbit wire. receives. Help the vine twine at the start. In the Tucson area stems often Gulf fritillary caterpillars chow freeze to the ground during winter. down on the leaves of this plant, and Cut dead stems of frosted plants to the chat's the point! In some years when ground in spring, when danger of butterfly numbers are high, the foliage G,JII Fritillar1 freeze has passed. Plants revive quickly, may be heavily consumed, but the and blooming resumes in late summer plant generally revives during the rainy and fall. season. Red birds are used as focal points Passion vine may be killed by frost. anywhere a spot of fiery red is desired. In mild winters, it comes back from Because they freeze back, it's better not the root. Protect the vine on freezing to plant them in masses, as chis leaves nights by wrapping it loosely with an a hole in the landscape during winter old sheet secured with clothespins. and early spring. [note: Seed pods and Harvest a few fruits in late fall and save seeds are toxic; eating chem may seeds in case your vine is killed by cause severe stomach frost. White-crowned sparows enjoy discomfort.] the gelatinous seeds. PIPEVINE SWALLOWTAIL GULF FRITILLARY Battus philenor Agraulis vaniHae Large and noticeable, pipevine Gardens containing passion vine swallowtails are a familiar sight in the easily attract this butterfly of southern southern United States. Their wings regions. From above, their wings are are black on top with a single row of bright red-orange with black markings, pale spots near the edges. The hind­ with a few black-ringed white spots on wing shows a blue iridescence and has the forewing. From below they are a a row of bright orange spots. Pipevines brownish orange with elongated silver are often seen sipping nectar at red spots. Gulf Fritillaries fly rapidly, bird of paradise. They lay their eggs on ro Cl­ pipevine plants spp.). usually well above the ground. -, (Aristolochia Pipevine Swa llowtail 10 Wild About Gardening ~ zu

No two birds I @ have exactly the same requirements for living. Many are WILD ABOUT permanent BIRDS residents, here all year. Some arrive to What do birds need for survival? The precise nest and raise their answer would depend on the particular species 0£ bird, but in a general way all birds need food, water, shelter, and young in the spring space. This basic formula guides our decisions about what to plant in a and summer, b i rd garden. and others spend Many people feed birds with store-bought seeds or other products, but it:"s healthier for the birds-and more fun-to provide food the natural only winters . . . way. By enhancing our landscapes with plants that provide seeds, Still others come berries, and nectar, as well as shelter and cover, we can enjoy a greater variety of birds. through in . . To make your garden bird-friendly, think of it from the standpoint of migration, "habitat"-the type of place where an animal normally lives. Most yards have roughly three levels: an upper level that includes tree canopies and stopping for food telephone wires, a mid-level with shrubs, walls, or fences; and a lower and shelter on their level with flowers, cactus, weeds, groundcovers, rocks, and soil. way elsewhere. Each level may be used by different birds-from ground-foraging species such as Curve-billed Thrashers and doves, to hummingbirds at flowering Lynn Hassler Kaufman, shrubs, to tree-roosting predators such as hawks and owls. Gambel's Birds of the American Southwest Quail uses all of these natural strata-occasionally nesting in flowerpots, foraging on the ground, poking into succulent prickly pear fruits, and nesting doves roosting in trees at night.

T o create a successful bird garden, it is not necessary to pull out all existing plants and start over. Mature plants of whatever variety will provide a certain amount of cover while new plantings are still getting established.

Wild About Gardening 11 Bird Garden Tips plants Include plants that provide berries for fruit-eating birds such as thrashers, phainopeplas, and mockingbirds.

Include plants that produce seed for seed-eating birds such as Female Anna's humm1n961rd on nest cardinals, sparrows, quails, doves, and finches. Include flowers that provide nectar for hummingbirds, orioles, verdins, and other nectar lovers. Plant at least one tree. Trees provide places for nesting, roosting, and hiding, as well as song perches and food-either directly with seeds, flowers, or fruit, or indirectly through the insects they attract. Plant trees and shrubs of different heights to accommodate different TREES kinds of birds. Desert willow Chilopsis linearis Birds like lots of protective cover. The more vegetation you provide, the safer they will feel. SHRUBS Choose a variety of plants that bloom in all seasons. Some Autumn sage Salvia greggii hummingbirds live here year round. Baja fairy duster Calliandra californica Cape honeysuckle Tecomaria capensis elements Chuparosa Justicia californica Provide a source of water. Moving water is preferable to prevent Desert honeysuckle Anisacanthus thurberi parasites and disease. If moving water is not possible, keep the bird Flame anisacanthus Anisacanthus wrightii bath scrubbed dean and make it shallow enough for small birds. Red justicia ]usticia candicans Keep it away from vegetation where stalking cats might hide. Mexican honeysuckle Justicia spicigera Intersperse rocks among your plants. Birds like to perch on them. Logs or brush piles harbor many insects, an important source of food. ACCENT PLANTS Some birds like to take dust baths. If you have areas of bare ground Aloe Aloe spp. with loosened soil, leave it for the birds. Ocotillo Fouquieria splendens maintenance VINES Don't use herbicides or pesticides. Most birds eat insects at one Trumpet honeysuckle Campsis radicans time or another. Don't "deadhead" or cut off dead flowerheads-they hold seeds that PERENNIALS & PATIO PLANTS many birds relish. California fuchsia Epilobium canum Leave shrubs in natural shapes with branches low to the ground for (previously known as Zauschneria) optimal cover. Penstemon, Penstemon spp., most kinds Allow leaf litter to accumulate beneath trees and shrubs, which will Scarlet sage Salvia coccinea attract insects and birds. Too much tidiness may actually make your Shrimp Plant Beloperone guttata garden less attractive to birds.

flame anisacanthus red yucca Baja fairy duster autumn sage penstemon

12 Wild About Gardening A SAMPLING OF PLANTS AND BIRDS IN AN URBAN BIRD GARDEN

BAJA FAIRY DUSTER BRITTLEBUSH Calliandra californica Encelia farinosa Bright red puff balls on this medium­ Stands of native brittlebush may sized shrub are magnets for both blossom into masses of gold against a butterflies and hummingbirds, and sunny backyard wall. Prolific seed provide dramatic color in sunny areas. producers, these small shrubs attract Mix with desert perennials such as many seed-eating birds such as finches, globe mallow and brittlebush. sparrows, quail, doves, and cardinals, as (_'J well as small mammals. Fragrant stems Plant Baja fairy duster from one­ ~ give this gray-green perennial its Baja fai~y duster or five-gallon containers in spring. Full Spanish name, incienso. sun, or at least a half day of sun, will guarantee lots of flowers. Choose a Plant brittlebush from one-gallon location that retains warmth in winter, containers in fall in well-drained soil. as this species is frost sensitive. To avoid transplant shock, try not to Baja fairy duster is drought toler­ disturb the root ball. Brittlebush is also ant, but supplemental water induces easy to start from seed in fall. more profuse bloom. Water once a week Water new plants twice a week for during the first summer, then about several weeks, then reduce to weekly, once a month in winter. After the first then monthly. Watering, though infre­ year, water about every two weeks quent, should be deep and thorough. through the warm season. In rainy seasons, brittlebush leaves Typically, flowering begins in are large and lush, while in dry seasons spring, peaks in the fall, and lasts Bldd: chinned Hummingbird they are sparse, small, or nonexistent. until frost. In mild years it may It's tempting to increase watering when bloom nearly year round. Baja fairy plants display their dry season bedrag­ duster does not need pruning, but do gled appearance, but resist the tempta­ remove dead wood from frosted plants tion. They'll thicken up with rains. in spring, when all danger of frost has Mix brittlebush with other desert passed and you can see new green perennials such as globe mallow and growth emerging along the stems. penstemon, or with accent plants like Calliandra x 'Sierra Starr' is a ocotillo, agave, desert spoon, and hybrid that looks similar but is slightly cactus. smaller. It is hardy to 18° F, which makes Sierra Starr ideal for Tucson's NORTHERN CARDINAL colder valley locations. Cardinalis cardinalis Males are brilliant red with black faces, BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD large pinkish-orange bills, and pointed Archilochus alexandri crests. Their heavy bills enable them to Males have a black chin or throat. In extract seeds from plants and flowers certain light, the throat shows an by cutting or crushing the shells. They iridescent purple border. Arriving in also eat insects and berries. Their the spring to breed after wintering in musical, whistled song sounds like what Mexico, Black-chins are common at Q cheer what cheer cheer. This species hummingbird feeders in Tucson gar­ °"> occurs in eastern North America, and 1' dens. They feed on nectar and small 0 many people are surprised to see them 2: here-a testimony to the diversity of insects and love tubular flowers in the <( red-orange range. Qi the Sonoran Desert. North ern Cardinal Wild About Gardening 13 PLANTS AN D BIRDS

AlffUMN SAGE DESERT HACKBERRY Salvia greggii Ce/tis pallida The magenta, tubular flowers of this This large native shrub is a cornerstone small shrub are alluring to humming­ for the wildlife garden. Fruit-eating birds. Quail like to eat the flowers, as do birds and mammals feast upon the desert spiny lizards. Autumn sage may orange berries. Desert hackberry's dense be mixed with other perennials to create growth makes it a perfect hideaway and a vibrant show of color in small beds, or nesting site for birds. Two butterfly in large containers. species use it as a foodplant for their autumn sage caterpillars. Plant this Chihuhuan Desert native from one-gallon containers in spring or Plant desert hackberry from one­ fall, choosing a location with morning or five-gallon containers in any season. sun or filtered light. Mix a little compost It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. and sand with the soil to improve During the first warm season water drainage. Be careful not to bury any part weekly. Over time water every two to of the main stem below the soil line. four weeks in summer, occasionally in Established plants need watering winter. It is slow-growing and takes every week in summer, and every seven several years to mature, but for a to ten days in winter. If plants become wildlife garden it's worth the wait. woody, cut them back hard in early Mature desert hackberries are spring, and they will fill out nicely. Tidy Gambel \ Ouail impenetrable shrubs used primarily as up plants anytime by removing bare background plants. As plants get larger, bloom stalks, or pinching back here and they may be pruned into small trees. there to encourage flowers. If plants Although considered an evergreen, this seem to wilt in warm weather, add a hackberry may lose its leaves in very layer of mulch at the base to keep roots cold winters, but recovers quickly. moist and cool longer. Although the common name is GILA WOODPECKER autumn sage, this lovely shrub also Melanerpes uropygialis produces a strong bloom in spring and Gilas are noisy, cheeky birds with black again during the summer rainy season, and white barred backs and plain continuing until frost. Plant it anywhere brown heads and underparts. Males people may enjoy the visiting humming­ have bright red rounded caps on their birds, especially near patios and pools. heads. Not at all picky, they are omni­ vores and eat almost anything. Gilas GAMBELS QUAIL often excavate holes in saguaros for Callipepla gambelii their nests. Gambel's Quail are plump, ground­ dwelling birds with plumed topknots. CURVE-BILLED THRASHER In winter they form large groups, or Toxostoma curvirostre coveys, and maintain contact with one Almost uniformly brown with startling another through a series of clucking, yellow-orange eyes and a downward­ crowing calls. Gambel's Quail eat seeds, curving bill, thrashers spend a lot of the flowers of your favorite perennial, time on the ground sweeping their and some insects. It's not uncommon heavy bills in soil or leaf litter, search­ to discover a nest in a patio flowerpot. ing for grubs and insects. They usually Provide a water source to encourage select cholla cactus for nesting sites. In the daily visits from these comely creatures. same family as mockingbirds, thrashers are also talented songsters. Gila Woodpecker 14 Wild About Gardening PLANTS AND BIRDS

DEERGRASS ENGELMANN'S PRICKLY PEAR Muhlenbergi,a rigens Opuntia engelmannii This striking native bunchgrass is Fleshy, purple-red fruits in late summer attractive to birds for several reasons. attract wildlife and people alike. Prickly It produces lots of seed; the blades are pear fruits are eaten by most desert a great source of material for nests; creatures. It's not unusual to see birds or and the arching mounds provide cover small mammals with bright red stains and nesting sites. around their bills or mouths from feasting on these delicious fruits. Plant this perennial from contain- deerg,ass ers in full or filtered sun. Deergrass Plant from containers in the warm prefers well-drained fertile soils, but days of spring or fall. Prepare the hole tolerates most kinds. In rocky soils it by loosening the soil and adding sand to may require more frequent watering. enhance drainage. If new plants are It becomes quite drought rolerant over wobbly, nestle them in a few rocks for time, requiring only a deep soaking support. Wait a week before watering to about every two to three weeks during ?; let any broken roots callus over. the warm months. A new cactus plant is vulnerable to The neat, symmetrical mound sunburn-a bleaching of the green may be cut back every few years. As stems or pads. In the hottest days of its fresh leaf blades grow over the old, a first summer, protect with a layer of thick thatch of straw builds up. You shade cloth (or old pillowcase). Uncover may cut the plant to the ground in in the waning days of summer. Native late winter to allow it to renew itself, cacti survive on rainfall, but newly hut in wildlife gardens deergrass planted individuals look best when thatch provides excellent shelter, and watered every two weeks the first pruning is not absolutely required. summer. The following year, water every Clumps of deergrass are most month or two if no rain falls. striking when planted in groups, Packrats love to make their homes whether massed casually among in older dumps of prickly pear. Prune desert trees, or neatly lining a walk­ clumps around the base and clean way. Because it is large, a single plant out dead material to discourage may be all that is needed for a small them. garden. Deergrass and several other VERDIN handsome Muhlenbergi,;, species are Auriparus flaviceps superb substitutes for the invasive Verdins are tiny, active birds of hot fountain grass. desert regions. At first glance they appear rather nondescript-brown-gray CACTUS WREN overall-but both male and female Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus adults have velvety yellowish heads and Large and sociable, this is the state small chestnut-colored shoulder patches, bird of Arizona. Cactus wrens build which are difficult to see. Verdins comb massive, bulky nests in cholla cactus twigs and branches for insects and and desert trees. They often make use ~ larvae. They also eat small fruits and of paper products such as tissue or wax ( berries, and satisfy their sweet tooth paper for nesting material. Cactus ~ with nectar. Their stick nests are spheri­ wrens feed mostly on insects and also ; cal in shape, about the size of a large on some fruits. ,is softball, with a hollow center and a gl round entrance on the side. Cactus Viren Wild About Gardening 15 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, Arizona, 85712 (520) 326-9686 www.tucsonbotanical.org

The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a private, nonprofit organi­ zation whose mission is to preserve the historic home and prop­ er-ty of the Porter family, promote responsible and appropriate use ofplants and water in a desert environment, and provide a place of beauty and tranquili-ty for Tucson residents and visi­ tors. This booklet is the first in a series on desert gardening topics . ... -'~....

Ii~Desert Connections Bring Nature into Your Backyard

SOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Be sure to visit the Gardens' interactive website, www.desertcolJ­ nections.org, which has a searchable plant data base with more than I 00 plants that attract birds and butterflies.

DESERT GARDENING & LANDSCAPING Arizona G,1rdener's Guide, Mar)' Irish. Lmzd.wipe Plants for Dt)' Regions, \'v'arren Jones & Charles Sacamano. Native Lilndscapi11g from El Paso to L.A., Sally & Andy Wasowski. JV.itive Plants for Southwestern Landscapes, Judy Mielke. Plants for Dry Climtttes, Warren Jones & Mary Rose Duffield. Pruning, Pla11ti11g, and Care, Eric Johnson. The Sunset \¥i>stem Garden Book, Sunset Publishing.

BIRD & BUTTERFLY GUIDES Desert Buttei:Jl.y Gardening, Arizona Native Plant Society (ANPS)/Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute. Desert Bird Gard-ening, AN PS/Tucson Audubon Society. Butterflies ofNorth Amerim, Jim Brock & Kenn Kaufman. Birds of the Amerimn Southwest, Lynn Hassler Kaufman.

AUTHORS: Cecily Ring Cook, former Curator of Horticulture at the Tucson Botanical Gardens and longtime gardening columnist. Lynn Bassi.er, former Director of Horticulture and Director of Education at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, and author of books and other publications on Southwest birds and gardening.

PHOTO & ART CREDITS: AHG, Al H. Guhl; GKA, Kasey Anderson; JPB, James P. Brock; LH, Lynn Hassler; VIREO, Visual Resources for Ornithology; TBG, Tucson Botanical Gardens collection; NMC, Narca Moore-Craig. GRAPHIC DESIGN: Linda M. Brewer/Bailiwick, Ink

© TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS 2006