Chihuahuan Desert Province

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Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

Chihuahuan Desert Province

Including the states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas and NAPPC Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

Chihuahuan Desert Province 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

Host Plants 20

Checklist 22

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

Cover photo of Monarch butterflies by Stephen Buchmann

Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators

A Regional Guide for

Farmers, Land Managers,

and Gardeners

In the

Ecological Region of the

Chihuahuan Desert

Province

Including the states of:

Arizona, New Mexico, Texas

A NAPPC AND Pollinator Partnership™ Publication

This guide was funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the C.S. Fund, the Plant 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).

Chihuahuan Desert 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 Cantelope, broccoli, citrus and cabbage are some of the crops raised in the Chihuahuan Desert Province that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate approximately $10 billion are a critical 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 States Forest Service, is a system yuccas, creosote bush, lechuguilla, in a series of plant selection tools created as a management tool candelilla, ocotillo, juniper, and designed to provide information and is used to predict responses pinyons. on how individuals can influence to land management practices pollinator populations through throughout large areas. This guide Many areas of this province are choices they make when they farm addresses pollinator-friendly land as yet undeveloped, however, a plot of ground, manage large management practices in what is building in some parts has tracts of public land, or plant a known as the Chihuahuan Desert eliminated some of the natural garden. Each of us can have a Province. ecosystems upon which the region’s positive impact by providing the pollinators depend. Long before essential habitat requirements for Portions of Arizona, New Mexico, there were homes and farms in pollinators including food, water, and Texas make up the 85,200 this area, the original, natural shelter, and enough space to allow square miles of this generally dry vegetation provided continuous pollinators to raise their young. desert province. The topography is shelter resources and adjacent primarily gently rolling plains with feeding opportunities for wildlife, Pollinators travel through the elevations up to 5,000 feet for some including pollinators. In choosing landscape without regard to isolated mountains. Summers in plants, aim to create habitat for property ownership or state this province are long and hot while pollinators that allow adequate food, boundaries. We’ve chosen to use winters are short but may include shelter, and water sources. Most R.G. Bailey’s classification system periods of below-freezing weather. pollinators have very small home to identify the geographic focus Average annual temperatures are ranges. You will make a difference of this guide and to underscore mild, ranging from 50° to 65°F. by understanding the vegetation the connections between climate patterns on the farm, forest, or and vegetation types that affect This province is characterized by neighbor’s yard adjacent to your the diversity of pollinators in the little rainfall throughout most of the property. With this information in environment. year with intense summer storms hand, your planting choices will from July until October. Common better support the pollinators’ need Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United species include honey mesquite, for food and shelter as they move States, developed by the United cacti (particularly prickly pears), through the landscape.

Chihuahuan Desert Province Understanding the Chihuahuan desert Province

n This region is designated number 321 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 85,200 square miles within Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

n Primarily gently undulating plains including basins, playas, and extensive dunes of silica sand.

n Elevations up to 5,000 feet.

n Average annual temperature range from 50° to 65°F..

n Mean annual precipitation at El Paso, Texas, is 8.65" (221mm).

n USDA Hardiness Zones 6b-8b (1990 version).

Characteristics

n Dominated by various thorny shrubs growing in open stands or low, closed thickets.

n Honey mesquite is common on deep soils.

n Cacti, especially prickly pear, are common, but less so than in the Sonoran Desert.

n Common trees include cottonwoods, junipers, pinyons, and, on higher mountains, oak, Douglas fir, white fir, and pines.

Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Chihuahuan Desert Province “Adding native plantings in riparian areas includes the states of: to improve pollinator habitat makes Arizona sense in advancing our family farm’s New Mexico Texas conservation and economic objectives,

enhancing beneficial wildlife and

improving pollination in our orchard and garden.”

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

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

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

Chihuahuan Desert Province Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Plant Which Flowers Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind Do the Trait Pollinators Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, or prefer? 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 patches or reduced and some are more important 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 Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; based on the similar characteristics 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 Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply effective for that group of plants. 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 Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide pollinator find necessary pollen and 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

Chihuahuan Desert 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

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

winter.” -- Dan Cummings, Chico, California almond grower. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert Carolyn by Illustrations

Chihuahuan Desert Province 13 Public Lands

“From

hummingbirds

to beetles, to

butterflies,

nature’s

pollinators help

keep Midewin’s

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

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 on property provides an essential 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.

Chihuahuan Desert Province 15 BLOOM PERIODS FOR THE Chihuahuan Desert PROVINCE

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 Name Common Name Feb March April May June July August September Oct Nov Trees & Shrubs Trees & Shrubs

Aloysia gratissima whitebrush white white white white white white

whitish tinged with whitish tinged with whitish tinged Chilopsis linearis desert willow whitish tinged with purple purple purple with purple

Cylindropuntia imbricata tree chollo magenta magenta

purple to reddish- purple to reddish- purple to reddish- Dalea greggii Gregg’s prairie clover purple to reddish-purple purple to reddish-purple purple purple purple red to red- red to red- Fouquieria splendens ocotillo red to red-orange red to red-orange orange orange

Leucophyllum frutescens Texas barometer bush purple purple purple

Mahonia trifoliolata algerita yellow yellow yellow greenish- Prosopis velutina velvet mesquite greenish-yellow greenish-yellow greenish-yellow greenish-yellow greenish-yellow yellow Purshia mexicana Mexican cliffrose yellowish-white yellowish-white yellowish-white

Sophora secundiflora mescal bean violet violet

Yucca torreyi Torrey’s yucca white to cream white to cream Perennial Flowers Perennial Flowers Asclepias asperula ssp. antelopehorns greenish-white greenish-white greenish-white greenish-white capricornu Calylophus hartwegii Hartweg’s sundrops yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow Echinocereus pectinatus rainbow cactus yellow yellow Ipomoea leptophylla bush morning-glory rose-purple rose-purple Mirabilis multiflora Colorado four-o’clock purplish-red purplish-red purplish-red purplish-red purplish-red Nicotiana obtusifolia desert tobacco white white white white Penstemon cardinalis cardinal beardtongue red red red Salvia penstemonoides big red sage red red red red

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Name Common Name Feb March April May June July August September Oct Nov Trees & Shrubs Trees & Shrubs

Aloysia gratissima whitebrush white white white white white white whitish tinged with whitish tinged with whitish tinged Chilopsis linearis desert willow whitish tinged with purple purple purple with purple

Cylindropuntia imbricata tree chollo magenta magenta purple to reddish- purple to reddish- purple to reddish- Dalea greggii Gregg’s prairie clover purple to reddish-purple purple to reddish-purple purple purple purple red to red- red to red- Fouquieria splendens ocotillo red to red-orange red to red-orange orange orange

Leucophyllum frutescens Texas barometer bush purple purple purple

Sophora secundiflora mescal bean violet violet

Chihuahuan Desert Province 17 Plants that attract pollinators FOR THE Chihuahuan Desert PROVINCE 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.

Visitation by Also Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Flower Season Sun Soil a host Pollinator plant Trees & Shrubs Trees & Shrubs Aloysia gratissima whitebrush white 3-10’ Apr-Sep full sun silty, gravelly, or rocky bees

Chilopsis linearis desert willow whitish tinged with purple 10-20’ May-Aug full sun gravelly alluvium bees, bumblebees, hummingbirds

Cylindropuntia imbricata tree chollo magenta 3-6’ Jun-Jul full sun silty cactus bees

Dalea greggii Gregg’s prairie clover purple to reddish-purple 6-12” Apr-Aug full sun gravelly limestone bees, flies

Fouquieria splendens ocotillo red to red-orange 10-20’ Feb-May full sun rocky, well drained hummingbirds

Leucophyllum frutescens Texas barometer bush purple 4-8’ Jul-Sep full sun rocky, well drained, alkaline bees, bumblebees, hummingbirds

Mahonia trifoliolata algerita yellow 3-6’ Mar-May full sun rocky limestone bees, flies, butterflies

Prosopis velutina velvet mesquite greenish-yellow 20-55’ Mar-Aug full sun silty, gravelly, or rocky bees, flies, butterflies

Purshia mexicana Mexican cliffrose yellowish-white 4-8’ May-Jul full sun rocky, well drained bees, flies

Sophora secundiflora mescal bean violet 15-35’ Apr-May full sun well drained, alkaline bees, bumblebees, hummingbirds

Yucca torreyi Torrey’s yucca white to cream 6-20’ Apr-May full sun silty, gravelly, well drained yucca moths X Perennial Flowers Perennial Flowers Asclepias asperula ssp. capricornu antelopehorns greenish-white 1-2’ May-Aug full sun silty moths, butterflies, bees, wasps X

Calylophus hartwegii Hartweg’s sundrops yellow 8-16” May-Sep full sun silty to sandy moths, hawkmoths

Echinocereus pectinatus rainbow cactus yellow 8-12” Apr-May full sun rocky limestone bees, bumblebees, flies, butterflies

Ipomoea leptophylla bush morning-glory rose-purple 2-3’ Jul-Aug full sun sandy bees

Mirabilis multiflora Colorado four-o’clock purplish-red 1-2’ Jun-Oct full sun silty to sandy, well drained bees, bumblebees

Nicotiana obtusifolia desert tobacco white 2-3’ Mar-Jun full sun gravelly or rocky alluvium moths, hawkmoths, hummingbirds

Penstemon cardinalis cardinal beardtongue red 2-3’ May-Jul full sun rocky, well drained hummingbirds full sun to Salvia penstemonoides big red sage red 3-5’ Jun-Sep various but well drained hummingbirds partial shade

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Visitation by Also Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Flower Season Sun Soil a host Pollinator plant Trees & Shrubs Trees & Shrubs Aloysia gratissima whitebrush white 3-10’ Apr-Sep full sun silty, gravelly, or rocky bees