Selecting Plants for Pollinators in the American Semidesert and Desert

Selecting

Plants

for

Pollinators

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

American SemiDesert and Desert Province

Including the states of:

California and Arizona

and parts of: Nevada and Utah and NAPPC Table of CONTENTS

Why Support Pollinators? 4

Getting Started 5

American semidesert & 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

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

American SemiDesert

& Desert Province

Including the states of:

California and Arizona

And parts of:

Nevada and Utah

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).

American semidesert and 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 intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems the world, and 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 Broccoli, cabbage, citrus, and melons are some of the crops raised in the American Semidesert and Desert Province that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate approximately are a critical $10 billion worth of crops in the U.S. each year.

Unfortunately, the numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated bee populations are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, link in our food 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 and is used to predict responses includes cacti and other thorny in a series of plant selection tools to land management practices shrubs, creosote bushes, mesquite, designed to provide information throughout large areas. This guide paloverde, ocotillo, saguaro, and on how individuals can influence addresses pollinator-friendly land bitterbrush. pollinator populations through management practices in what is Many areas of this province are as choices they make when they farm known as the American Semidesert yet undeveloped, however, building a plot of ground, manage large and Desert Province. in some parts has eliminated some tracts of public land, or plant a Portions of four southwestern states of the natural ecosystems upon garden. Each of us can have a make up the 87,700 square miles which the region’s pollinators positive impact by providing the of this province with elevations depend. Long before there were essential habitat requirements for ranging from 280 feet below sea homes and farms in this area, pollinators including food, water, level to over 11,000 feet in some the original, natural vegetation shelter, and enough space to allow mountain ranges. This province provided continuous cover and pollinators to raise their young. includes the Mojave, Colorado, and adjacent feeding opportunities Pollinators travel through the Sonoran Deserts. The topography for wildlife, including pollinators. landscape without regard to primarily features gently rolling In choosing plants, aim to create property ownership or state plains interspersed with low habitat for pollinators that allow boundaries. We’ve chosen to use mountains and buttes. Average adequate food shelter, and water R.G. Bailey’s classification system annual temperatures are relatively sources. Most pollinators have very to identify the geographic focus high, ranging from 60° to 75°F. small home ranges. You can make of this guide and to underscore This dry province is characterized a difference by understanding the the connections between climate by long, hot summers, erratic vegetation patterns of the farm, and vegetation types that affect rainfall, and virtually no rainfall forest, or neighbor’s yard adjacent the diversity of pollinators in the in the summer. Vegetation is thus to you and by making planting environment. very sparse, and includes few choices that support the pollinators’ Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United trees except along the northern need for food and shelter as they States, developed by the United edge of the province, which move through the landscape. States Forest Service, is a system features Joshuas, junipers, and created as a management tool pinyons. Other common vegetation

American semidesert and desert Province Understanding the American Semi-Desert & Desert Province

n This region is designated number 322 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 87,700 square miles within Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.

n Primarily gently rolling plains intersperesed with low mountains and buttes.

n Elevations ranging from 280 feet below sea level to over 11,000 feet.

n Average annual temperature range from 60° to 75°F.

n Average year-round precipitation between 2-10 inches.

n USDA Hardiness Zones 8a-10a (1990 version).

Characteristics

n Long, hot summers, erratic rainfall, and virtually no rainfall in the summer.

n Sparse vegetation with bare ground in between individual plants.

n Vegetation includes cacti and other thorny shrubs, creosote bushes, mesquite, paloverde, ocotillo, saguaro, and bitterbrush.

n Trees in the northern part of the region including Joshuas, junipers, and pinyons.

Selecting Plants for Pollinators The American Semidesert “Adding native plantings in riparian areas & Desert Province includes the states of: to improve pollinator habitat makes Arizona and California sense in advancing our family farm’s

And parts of: conservation and economic objectives,

Nevada and Utah enhancing beneficial wildlife and

improving pollination in our orchard and garden.”

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

American semidesert and desert 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 American (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities Semidesert and Desert Province. that they find in stems and dead A wide range of crops including wood. Cactus bees (Diadasia spp.) cantalope, broccoli, citrus and are also solitary ground nesters. cabbage are just a 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 A Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly be eye-catching, as are the flowers in Arizona. 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 many crops and can be encouraged minerals. By providing a safe place to do more to support agricultural to eat and nest, gardeners can also A bat pollinating a Saguaro cactus endeavors if their needs for nesting support the pollination role that in Arizona. habitat are met and if suitable butterflies play in the landscape. It 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 helps 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, shrubs, 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 American Semidesert and colonies.

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

American semidesert and 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

American semidesert and 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

Broccoli, cabbage, citrus and weeds can provide needed food for melons are a few of the food crops pollinators. “food supplies for in the American Semidesert and • Minimize tillage to protect ground Desert Province that will benefit nesting pollinators. from strong native bee populations • Ensure water sources are scattered bees are critical that boost pollination efficiency. throughout the landscape. Incorporate different plants • Choose a variety of native plants to throughout the farm that provide act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, food for native populations when and field borders throughout the to maintaining targeted crops are not in flower. farm. • Plant unused areas of the farm Farmers have many opportunities with temporary cover crops that strong hives 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 to reduce the impact on native (NRCS) office to see what technical pollination 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 targeted ingredients. provide nectar, pollen, and larval food the following • Carefully consider the use of sources for pollinators on your farm. herbicides. Perhaps the targeted winter.” -- Dan Cummings, Chico, California almond grower. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert Carolyn by Illustrations

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

American semidesert and desert Province 15 BLOOM PERIODS FOR THE American SemiDesert & 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 Aug Sept Oct Trees & Shrubs Trees & Shrubs Acacia greggii catclaw acacia pale yellow pale yellow Agave parryi Parry’s agave yellow yellow yellow

Calliandra eriophylla fairyduster pale to deep pink

Carnegiea gigantea saguaro white white

Cylindropuntia bigelovii terrybear cholla yellow yellow yellow yellow

green or violet-tinged green or violet- green or violet- green or violet- Dasylirion wheeleri common sotol whitish tinged whitish tinged whitish tinged whitish

Ferocactus wislizeni candy barrelcactus orange-yellow orange-yellow orange-yellow

red to red- Fouquieria splendens ocotillo red to red-orange red to red-orange orange red to red-orange

Nolina bigelovii Bigelow’s nolina greenish-white greenish-white greenish-white

Olneya tesota desert ironwood pale lavender pale lavender

Opuntia engelmannii cactus apple yellow yellow yellow

Parkinsonia microphylla yellow paloverde pale yellow pale yellow greenish- Prosopis velutina velvet mesquite greenish-yellow greenish-yellow greenish-yellow greenish-yellow greenish-yellow yellow Yucca elata soaptree yucca creamy-white creamy-white Perennial Flowers Perennial Flowers Datura wrightii sacred thorn-apple white white white white white white

Lupinus sparsiflorus Mojave lupine blue blue

bright pink to bright pink to bright pink to Penstemon parryi Parry’s beardtongue purple-pink purple-pink purple-pink Vines Vines Cucurbita foetidissima Missouri gourd yellow yellow yellow yellow

16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Name Common Name Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Trees & Shrubs Trees & Shrubs Acacia greggii catclaw acacia pale yellow pale yellow Agave parryi Parry’s agave yellow yellow yellow

Calliandra eriophylla fairyduster pale to deep pink

Carnegiea gigantea saguaro white white

Cylindropuntia bigelovii terrybear cholla yellow yellow yellow yellow

green or violet-tinged green or violet- green or violet- green or violet- Dasylirion wheeleri common sotol whitish tinged whitish tinged whitish tinged whitish

Ferocactus wislizeni candy barrelcactus orange-yellow orange-yellow orange-yellow red to red- Fouquieria splendens ocotillo red to red-orange red to red-orange orange red to red-orange

Nolina bigelovii Bigelow’s nolina greenish-white greenish-white greenish-white

Olneya tesota desert ironwood pale lavender pale lavender

Opuntia engelmannii cactus apple yellow yellow yellow

Lupinus sparsiflorus Mojave lupine blue blue bright pink to bright pink to bright pink to Penstemon parryi Parry’s beardtongue purple-pink purple-pink purple-pink Vines Vines Cucurbita foetidissima Missouri gourd yellow yellow yellow yellow

American semidesert and desert Province 17 Plants that attract pollinators in THE American SemiDesert & 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.

Also a host Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Flower Season Sun Soil Visitation by Pollintaor plant Trees & Shrubs Trees & Shrubs Acacia greggii catclaw acacia pale yellow 10-20’ May-Jun full sun rocky, gravelly bees, flies, butterflies

bats, hummingbirds, Agave parryi Parry’s agave yellow 14-20’ Jun-Aug full sun rocky, well drained X hawkmoths, bees

Calliandra eriophylla fairyduster pale to deep pink 2’ Feb full sun dry, gravelly bees, flies, butterflies

Carnegiea gigantea saguaro white 20-40’ May-Jun full sun silty to rocky, well drained bats, birds, bees X

Cylindropuntia bigelovii terrybear cholla yellow 3-5’ Feb-May full sun rocky, gravelly cactus bees

Dasylirion wheeleri common sotol green or violet-tinged whitish 10-12’ May-Aug full sun rocky, well drained flies, bees, wasps, butterflies

Ferocactus wislizeni candy barrelcactus orange-yellow 3-8’ Jul-Sep full sun rocky, gravelly, or sandy cactus bees

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

Nolina bigelovii Bigelow’s nolina greenish-white 3-6’ May-Jul full sun rocky, well drained flies, bees, wasps, butterflies

Olneya tesota desert ironwood pale lavender 20-30’ May-Jun full sun gravelly bees, flies, butterflies

Opuntia engelmannii cactus apple yellow 3-6’ Apr-Jun full sun sandy cactus bees

Parkinsonia microphylla yellow paloverde pale yellow 15-30’ Apr-May full sun dry, rocky bees

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

Yucca elata soaptree yucca creamy-white 20-30’ May-Jun full sun silty-clay yucca moths X Perennial Flowers Perennial Flowers Datura wrightii sacred thorn-apple white 12-24” May-Oct full sun alluvial hawkmoths

Lupinus sparsiflorus Mojave lupine blue 18-30” Mar-Apr full sun sandy bees, bumblebees

Penstemon parryi Parry’s beardtongue bright pink to purple-pink 3-4’ Feb-Apr full sun gravelly, well drained bees Vines Vines Cucurbita foetidissima Missouri gourd yellow 6-18” May-Aug sun alluvial squash bees

18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Also a host Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Flower Season Sun Soil Visitation by Pollintaor plant Trees & Shrubs Trees & Shrubs Acacia greggii catclaw acacia pale yellow 10-20’ May-Jun full sun rocky, gravelly bees, flies, butterflies