The Southwest presents a unique challenge for backyard birders: attracting birds in a hot environment with scarce water availability. Here, we’ll explore how native plant landscaping can transform your yard, not only attracting birds but also offering them the resources they need throughout the year.
The Southwest Region
The Southwest region is characterized by hot and dry summers and overall limited rainfall. These characteristics can make attracting backyard birds a tricky task.
Native plants are perfectly adapted to the Southwest’s climate, requiring minimal water while providing valuable food sources like berries and seeds. These plants also attract insects, a crucial protein source for many bird species, especially those raising young.
Adding feeders, and more importantly, water, for the birds is important in an environment like the Southwest. A reliable source of water will keep birds coming back to your yard throughout the day. This, combined with bird feeders and native plants, will keep them in your yard longer.
States of the Southwest Region include: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, West Texas, New Mexico, Arizona.
While these states are the focus of this article, most of the plants listed here will do well in neighboring states. Check the “Plant Hardiness Zone” associated with each plant you chose, then, with the help of the Hardiness Zones Map, determine if such a plant would thrive in your area.
Also, see our guides to:
Attract Backyard Birds: Southeast Native Plant Landscaping Tips
Attract Backyard Birds: Northwest Native Plant Landscaping Tip
Attract Backyard Birds: Northeast Native Plant Landscaping Tips
Native plants for creating backyard bird habitat in the Southwest
Native plants that do well in the Southwest are essential for creating backyard bird habitat. Integrating them into your landscape benefits not only the birds, but also fosters biodiversity and ecological resilience.
Since local bird species have coevolved with these plants, they are part of birds’ life cycle providing essential food sources – seeds, fruits, and nectar.
Choosing native plants to attract birds creates a welcoming environment for birds, while also contributing to the overall health of local ecosystems and wildlife.
Here are some advantages of using native plants:
- They establish themselves easily in their native environment.
- They require minimal care once established.
Recommended approach
While some bird species can adapt to various habitats, most birds are particular about where they live. To attract the most birds, I recommend creating a diverse habitat with a carefully planned variety of plants.
The recommended approach for landscaping to attract birds in the Southwest is creating a layered habitat with diverse plants benefits birds in several ways:
- A range of food sources: Including plants with berries, fruits, and seeds throughout the year ensures a steady food supply for birds. The plants should also attract insects and caterpillars, another food source for many birds.
- Seasonal considerations: Planting nectar-bearing flowers that bloom at different times and trees/shrubs that produce berries and seeds throughout the year ensures there’s always food available for birds, attracting them during different seasons.
- Variety in plant height: Having trees, shrubs, and low-growing plants provides birds with different places to hide, forage, and nest depending on the species.
“Yards with a variety of of shrubs and trees will appeal to many different birds”
Plant Hardiness Zones
Plant hardiness zones are areas that have been labeled by their average minimum growing temperature. These zones help us understand which plants will thrive in their zonal growing environment. Plants in the Southwest generally fall within Plant Hardiness Zones between 5 through 10 (See color coded map and table).
NATIVE TREES
Mountain Dogwood
Food Type: Fruit.
Season: Fall and Winter.
Attracts: The bright red fruits attract a variety of birds including cedar waxwings, robins, kinglets, sparrows, and flickers.
Additional Benefits: While the branches offer some perching spots, it is not known for providing nesting sites.
Propagation: It can be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings. However, seeds require stratification to germinate, and cuttings can be tricky.
Soil Needs: Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil.
Light Requirements: Partial shade to full sun.
Description: The Mountain Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) is a small to medium-sized, deciduous tree. It typically reaches 10-30 feet tall with a spreading canopy. It’s known for its beautiful white flowers that bloom in spring (April-June depending on location). In fall, the green leaves turn a vibrant red, orange, or yellow, adding another layer of beauty to your landscape.
Fun Fact:
- The Mountain Dogwood is the official state flower of Oregon.
California Juniper
Food Type: Fruits (cones).
Season: Produces fruits (cones) throughout the year, with peak availability in winter (December – February).
Attracts: Curve-billed Thrashers, Western Bluebirds, Cedar Waxwings, Northern Flickers, Spotted Towhees, California Towhees, and Bushtits. California Juniper provides a valuable food source when other options are scarce, especially during winter.
Additional Benefits: Provides excellent cover and nesting sites for small birds with its dense branching structure and evergreen foliage.
Propagation: California Juniper can be difficult to propagate from seed due to irregular germination rates.
Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained soils, tolerates rocky sites and poor soil quality.
Light Requirements: Full sun
Description: California Juniper (Juniperus californicus) is a drought-tolerant evergreen shrub or small tree reaching 10-20 feet tall with a mature spread of 6-12 feet. It has an irregular, branching growth habit with shredding bark and scale-like leaves that give it a textured appearance.
Interesting Facts:
- California Juniper is a native plant to the chaparral and woodlands of coastal California and the southern Sierra Nevada mountains.
- The wood of the California Juniper is rot-resistant and was used by Native American tribes for various purposes, including tool making and ceremonial objects.
Pinyon Pine
Food Type: Seeds (Pine Nuts).
Season: It produces clusters of cones in spring (April-May). These cones mature and release wingless, edible seeds (pine nuts) in fall (September-October). The seeds remain on the cones throughout winter, providing a vital food source for many bird species.
Attracts: The Pinyon Pine are a favorite food for Clark’s Nutcracker and Pinon Jay, as well as woodpeckers and pigeons.
Additional Benefits: The dense branching of mature trees offers shelter and nesting sites for a variety of birds throughout the year.
Propagation: Pinyon Pine propagation is generally left to natural processes due to the slow growth rate and deep taproot system . However, controlled seed propagation by experienced individuals is possible. There are no commercially available cultivars of Pinyon Pine.
Soil Needs: It thrives in dry, well-drained soils with low fertility. They are drought-tolerant and adapted to poor soil conditions.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis) is a slow-growing evergreen conifer. It typically matures to a height of 20-50 feet with a broad, spreading crown. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established. Mature trees can be quite majestic, with twisted branches and gnarled bark.
Interesting Facts:
- Pinyon Pines have a symbiotic relationship with Clark’s Nutcrackers. The birds cache the pine nuts in the soil, and some of these nuts are not retrieved, allowing new Pinyon Pines to grow.
- The edible pine nuts of Pinyon Pine are a traditional food source for many indigenous peoples of the Southwest.
Western White Pine
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces seeds from late summer/fall (August/September) through winter (March).
Attracts: A magnet for seed-eating birds including Clark’s Nutcrackers, Jays (various species), Nuthatches, Finches (various species), and Grosbeaks (various species).
Additional Benefits: Provides some winter cover for small birds with its dense branching structure. The majestic size of mature trees offers potential nesting sites for larger birds.
Propagation: Western White Pine is difficult to propagate from seed due to complex dormancy requirements. Purchasing a pre-grown plant from a reputable nursery is recommended. Planting tip: Due to its mature size, Western White Pine is best suited for larger yards.
Soil Needs: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate some drought once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun
Description: Western White Pine (Pinus monticola) is a majestic evergreen conifer reaching 80-150 feet tall with a mature spread of 3-6 feet wide at the base, but the crown can expand much wider. The large size of the tree and the persistent cones throughout winter make it a valuable food and cover resource for birds.
Interesting Facts:
- It is considered a keystone species in its ecosystem, providing food and habitat for many wildlife species.
- Sadly, Western White Pine has been heavily impacted by blister rust, an introduced fungal disease.
- There are no widely available cultivars of Western White Pine.
California Live Oak
Food Type: Acorns.
Season: Produces acorns from fall (October – November) through winter (March).
Attracts: Scrub Jays, California Acorn Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, Plain & Mountain Chickadees, Bushtits, Mourning Doves, and Wild Turkeys.
Additional Benefits: Provides excellent cover and nesting sites for many birds with its dense, spreading canopy and evergreen foliage.
Propagation: California Live Oak can be propagated by acorn, but germination is slow and irregular. Purchasing a pre-grown plant from a reputable nursery is recommended.
Soil Needs: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained sites. Tolerates drought once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: California Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) is a majestic evergreen tree reaching 50-80 feet tall with a mature spread of 50-100 feet wide. It has a distinctive, rounded canopy with gnarled branches and leathery, holly-like leaves with spiny margins. The acorns mature to a brown color and fall from the tree, providing a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife throughout winter.
Interesting Facts:
- It is a fire-resistant species and plays an important role in the California chaparral ecosystem.
- The lifespan of a California Live Oak can exceed 200 years, providing a long-term habitat resource for birds.
- There are no widely available cultivars of California Live Oak, but there are some variations in growth habit and leaf size.
A California Classic for Birds: California Live Oak is a good choice for larger yards, providing a reliable late-season food source for many bird species, excellent cover and nesting habitat, and overall beauty to the landscape.
Western Hemlock
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces seeds from late summer/fall (August/September) into early winter (December).
Attracts: Seed-eating birds including Pine Siskins, Red Crossbills, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Purple Finches, and Mourning Doves.
Additional Benefits: Provides excellent cover and nesting sites for small birds with its dense branching structure and evergreen foliage. Older trees with cavities may attract cavity-nesting birds like woodpeckers.
Propagation: Western Hemlock readily reseeds itself, and volunteers can be easily transplanted.
Soil Needs: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates a wider range once established.
Light Requirements: Shade to partial shade. Will not tolerate full sun.
Description: Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is a majestic evergreen conifer reaching 70-200 feet tall with a mature spread of 10-20 feet wide. It has a straight trunk with drooping branches and soft, flattened needles. Inconspicuous flowers appear in spring, followed by small cones that mature to a brown color in fall.
Interesting Facts:
- It is a shade-tolerant species and is a major component of old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest.
- The bark of Western Hemlock is a source of tannins, used historically by some Indigenous peoples for tanning leather.
- There are a few cultivated varieties available with variations in foliage color and growth habit.
Western Hemlock is a good choice for larger, shadier yards. It offers a reliable late-season food source for seed-eating birds.
NATIVE SHRUBS
Century Plant
Food Type: Nectar.
Season: Birds enjoy the nectar from a towering bloom in spring (typically March-May depending on climate).
Attracts: Ideal for nectar-loving birds including hummingbirds (various species), Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, and American Goldfinches. The Century Plant provides a short-term but vital food source during spring migration.
Additional Benefits: However, the flowering stalk can attract insects that become prey for insectivorous birds.
Propagation: Century Plant propagates best by offsets (pups) that emerge from the base of the mother plant. Division of pups in spring or fall is recommended.
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil is crucial. Sandy or gravelly mixes are ideal.
Light Requirements: Full sun
Description: Century Plant (Agave chrysantha) forms a large, basal rosette of thick, sword-shaped leaves with pointed tips and spiny margins. Mature size can vary depending on species and growing conditions, but typically reaches 3-6 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide. After many years (often decades), a single, spectacular flower stalk erupts from the center of the rosette, reaching 10-20 feet tall. The stalk is covered in clusters of yellow flowers that bloom for several weeks, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. Following flowering, the parent plant dies, but the offsets (pups) ensure the continuation of the colony.
Interesting Facts:
- Agave chrysantha is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States.
- The spiky leaves and the sharp terminal spine deter herbivores, making it a relatively low-maintenance plant.
- There are several other species of Century Plant with varying sizes, flower colors, and cold tolerance.
A Short-Term Spectacle: The spectacular flowering display offers a vital food source for hummingbirds and other nectar-loving birds during spring migration.
Ocotillo
Food Type: Nectar and Seeds.
Season: Birds enjoy the nectar-rich flowers from spring (March-May) and the developing seeds throughout summer (May-July).
Attracts: Nectar and seed attract hummingbirds (various species), Curve-billed thrashers, Finches (various species), Orioles, Sparrows (various species), and Quail.
Additional Benefits: Provides some winter cover for small birds with its dense branching structure.
Propagation: Ocotillo is difficult to propagate from seed due to irregular germination rates. Purchasing a pre-grown plant from a reputable nursery is recommended.
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil.
Light Requirements: Full sun
Description: Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) has a unique appearance with several whip-like stems (typically 3-6) emerging from a basal caudex. In spring, Ocotillo comes alive with bright red, tubular flowers that are a magnet for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Interesting Facts:
- Ocotillo gets its name from the Spanish word “ocotillo” which means “little pine” due to the reddish-brown color and resinous sap of the stems.
- The spiny stems of Ocotillo help to deter herbivores and provide protection from the harsh desert sun.
- There are no widely available cultivars of Ocotillo, but there are some variations in plant size and stem number.
Cholla & Prickly Pear
Food Type: Fruits and Flowers.
Season: Birds enjoy the flowers in spring (typically March-May depending on species) and the fleshy fruits throughout summer and into early fall (May-October).
Attracts: Curve-billed thrashers, Cactus wrens, Gilded flickers, Northern flickers, Cardinals, Verdin, Quail, and Mourning doves. These spiky plants provide a valuable food source, especially during the dry summer months when other options are scarce.
Additional Benefits: Provides excellent cover and nesting sites for desert-adapted birds with its dense, spiny pads and stems.
Propagation: Cholla and Prickly Pear are easily propagated by pad cuttings.
Planting tip: Wear gloves when handling these plants!
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil is crucial. Sandy or gravelly mixes are ideal.
Light Requirements: Full sun
Description: Cholla and Prickly Pear (Opuntia spp.) are cacti in the Opuntia genus, native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with two main forms:
- Cholla: Characterized by segmented, cylindrical stems with clusters of spines. They can grow several feet tall and wide, depending on the species.
- Prickly Pear: Has flat, oval pads covered in spines. They can grow in clumps or sprawled formations, reaching several feet tall and wide.
Interesting Facts:
- The pads (nopales) of Prickly Pear are a traditional food source in Mexican cuisine.
- Prickly Pear pads contain a mucilaginous substance that can be irritating to human skin, but birds have adapted ways to consume the fruit safely.
- There are hundreds of species within the Opuntia genus, offering a variety of shapes, sizes, and flower colors to explore for your desert landscape.
Chollas and Prickly Pears provide a vital food source, excellent cover, and nesting sites for desert birds. They are a fantastic addition to desert gardens, attracting a unique variety of birds to your backyard. Just remember to wear gloves when handling these prickly plants!
Common Chokeberry
Food Type: Fruit.
Season: Produces fruits from late fall (October-November) through winter (March).
Attracts: Cedar Waxwings, Robins, Catbirds, Blue Jays, Northern Flickers, and Wild Turkeys.
Additional Benefits: Provides some winter cover for small birds with its dense branching structure. May offer limited nesting sites.
Propagation: Common Chokeberry can be propagated by seed, softwood cuttings, or suckers. Vegetative methods are more successful for home gardeners.
Soil Needs: Adaptable, but prefers moist, well-drained sites. Tolerates clay soil.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Description: Common Chokeberry (Prunus virginiana) is a deciduous shrub, reaching 6-12 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide at maturity. It has a spreading, suckering growth habit and forms thickets over time. Inconspicuous white flowers appear in spring, followed by small red-purple fruits (drupes) that ripen in late fall. The fruit persists on the branches throughout winter, providing a valuable food source for birds when other options are scarce.
Interesting Facts:
- Common Chokeberry is named for its astringent fruit, which is unpleasant to eat raw but can be processed into jams, jellies, and wines.
- The fruit of Common Chokeberry is high in antioxidants and has been used in traditional medicine.
- There are several cultivars of Common Chokeberry available with variations in fruit color, foliage color, and growth habit. A popular cultivar is ‘Canadian Champion’ with larger, sweeter fruits.
Common Chokeberry is a good choice for providing a late-season food source for birds in your backyard. While the fruit might be tart for humans, it’s a valuable resource for birds, especially during winter.
NATIVE GRASSES
Sideoats Grama
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces seeds throughout the year, with peak availability in fall and winter (October-March) after the flowers dry.
Attracts: Ground-feeding birds including Sparrows (various species), Juncos, Towhees, Doves (Mourning, Ground), Northern Flickers, and Wild Turkeys.
Additional Benefits: Provides excellent nesting cover for ground-nesting birds with its dense, bushy clumps.
Propagation: Sideoats Grama can be propagated by seed, but germination rates can be variable. Purchasing plugs or pre-grown plants from a reputable nursery is recommended. Planting tip: Sideoats Grama spreads slowly and prefers to be established in large swathes for best wildlife benefits.
Soil Needs: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained sites.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) is a warm-season, native bunchgrass reaching 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide at maturity. It forms dense clumps with upright, wiry stems and narrow, blue-green leaves. The seeds mature to a tan color and remain on the plant throughout the year, providing a valuable food source for ground-feeding birds.
Interesting Facts:
- Sideoats Grama is a valuable plant for erosion control and habitat restoration in grasslands and prairies.
- It is the official state grass of Texas.
- There are no widely available cultivars of Sideoats Grama, but there are some variations in plant height and seed head characteristics.
Blue Grama
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces inconspicuous flowers in mid-summer (July-August) followed by tiny, abundant seeds in late summer (August-September).
Attracts: Sparrows, juncos, chickadees, quail, and wild turkeys during the fall and winter months. The dense, low-growing clumps of Blue Grama offer cover and nesting sites for small birds and ground-dwelling mammals.
Additional Benefits: Blue Grama is a low-maintenance native grass that adds year-round beauty to your landscape. It is also drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant once established.
Propagation: Blue Grama can be propagated by seed or division. Propagation by division is a more reliable method for home gardeners.
Soil Needs: Blue Grama is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers dry to average moisture and low to average fertility. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) is a warm-season, perennial grass. It typically matures to a height of 6-18 inches with a clumping growth habit. There are no widely commercially available cultivars of Blue Grama.
Interesting Facts:
- Blue Grama is a good choice for ecological restoration projects and wildlife gardens .
- The dense root system of Blue Grama helps to prevent soil erosion and conserve water .
Buffalo Grass
Food Type: Minimal – Seeds.
Season: Produces very small seeds that may be eaten by some birds in late summer (around August) but isn’t a significant food source for most bird species.
Attracts: While not a primary attractant, seed-eating birds like sparrows.
Additional Benefits: Limited nesting opportunities due to the low-growing, dense structure. May provide some minimal cover for small birds.
Propagation: Buffalo Grass spreads primarily by underground runners (stolons) and is difficult to propagate from seed.
Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained soil with moderate fertility. Tolerates drought once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Buffalo Grass (Buchloe dactyloides) is a warm-season, perennial grass, reaching only 3-8 inches tall at maturity. It forms a dense, low-growing carpet with fine, blue-green blades. Inconspicuous flowers appear in late spring or summer, followed by the production of very small seeds. Buffalo Grass is primarily valued for its low-maintenance characteristics and drought tolerance, making it a popular choice for lawns in hot, dry climates.
Interesting Facts:
- Buffalo Grass was the principal forage grass for American bison (buffalo) – hence the name.
- It is one of the few native grasses suitable for lawns in many regions.
- Buffalo Grass requires less mowing and watering compared to traditional lawn grasses.
While Buffalo Grass offers minimal value as a direct food source for birds, it can be a suitable low-maintenance lawn choice in bird-friendly landscapes if combined with other bird-attracting plants that provide fruits, seeds, or flowers.
Switchgrass
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces airy seed heads in late summer (August-September) that mature and turn golden brown in fall. These seeds persist on the plant throughout winter.
Attracts: Sparrows, juncos, chickadees, goldfinches, and bobolinks. The dense, upright clumps also provide cover and nesting sites for small birds throughout the year.
Additional Benefits: The upright clumps provide protection from predators and the standing seed heads add winter interest to the garden.
Propagation: Switchgrass is most commonly propagated by division or seeding . Seeding is possible, but the seeds may require a period of cold stratification.
Soil Needs: Switchgrass is adaptable to a wide range of soils but thrives in well-drained soils from average to moist.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a warm-season, perennial grass. It typically matures to a height of 3-6 feet with a clumping spread of 2-3 feet. The grass-like foliage emerges green in spring, turns blue-green in summer, and transforms to an attractive golden yellow in fall.
Interesting Facts:
- Switchgrass is a biofuel crop with potential as a renewable energy source.
- The dense root system of switchgrass helps prevent soil erosion .
ANNUALS AND PERENNIALS
Sage
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: It seeds in fall and winter (October-March) after the flowers dry. While not a major food source, it can be valuable during colder months when other options are scarce.
Attracts: Goldfinches (various species), Sparrows (various species), Juncos, Mourning Doves, and Northern Flickers.
Additional Benefits: May provide some winter cover for small birds with its dense, bushy foliage depending on the species. Certain Sage varieties offer aromatic foliage that deters some insects, potentially creating a more favorable environment for nesting birds.
Propagation: Sage can be propagated by seed, division, or softwood cuttings. Propagation methods can vary depending on the specific Sage species.
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil is essential. Prefers sandy or rocky soils with low fertility.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Sage (Artemisia sp.) is a genus of aromatic perennial herbs and shrubs with a wide variety of species available. They come in various shapes and sizes, with some popular choices for bird-friendly gardens including:
- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): Aromatic, upright perennial growing 3-5 feet tall with lacy green foliage.
- Russian Sage (Artemisia abrotanum): Gray-green shrubby perennial reaching 3-4 feet tall with fragrant, feathery foliage.
- Mexican Sage (Artemisia ludoviciana): Showy, silver-leaved shrub reaching 4-6 feet tall with yellow flowers in late summer.
Interesting Facts:
- Sage has a long history of culinary and medicinal uses around the world.
- The strong fragrance of Sage leaves may deter some insects, potentially making it an attractive nesting site for some birds.
- There are hundreds of Sage species available, offering a variety of foliage colors, heights, and flower types. Choose a variety suitable for your climate and desired aesthetic.
Sage can be a valuable addition to your bird-friendly garden, particularly if you choose a variety that offers winter interest. While the seeds may not be a primary food source, they can provide a welcome snack for seed-eating birds during the colder months.
Purple Aster
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces showy lavender-rayed flowers in late summer and fall (August-October). The flowers turn into fluffy seed heads as they mature, providing a valuable food source for birds throughout winter.
Attracts: The seeds are a favorite food for finches, goldfinches, sparrows, chickadees, and wild turkeys during the fall and winter months. The bright flowers also attract butterflies like monarchs and skippers in late summer and fall.
Additional Benefits: Purple Aster adds a splash of color to your garden. The vibrant purple blooms are a welcome sight for both birds and gardeners. Purple Aster is also considered deer-resistant.
Propagation: Purple Aster can be propagated by seed or division. Propagation by seed is straightforward and can be done in the fall or early spring. Propagation by division is also successful and can be done in early spring or fall.
Soil Needs: Purple Aster is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers average to well-drained soils with average fertility. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Purple Aster (Aster bigelovii) is a flowering perennial. It typically matures to a height of 1-3 feet with a clumping growth habit. The showy lavender flowers with central yellow discs are the main attraction of this plant in late summer and fall.
Interesting Facts:
- Purple Aster is an important nectar source for butterflies during their fall migration.
- Purple Aster is a host plant for several butterfly species, including the aster leaf beetle .
Plains Coreopsis
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers in mid to late summer (July-September). The flowers turn into seed heads in fall, providing a reliable food source for birds throughout winter.
Attracts: Plains Coreopsis are a favorite food for finches, goldfinches, sparrows, chickadees , and mourning doves during the fall and winter months. The dense, bushy growth habit can offer some cover for small birds.
Additional Benefits: Plains Coreopsis adds a cheerful touch to your garden with its bright yellow flowers throughout the summer. It is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow and deer-resistant.
Propagation: Plains Coreopsis is easy to propagate by seed.
Soil Needs: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers average, well-drained soils with average fertility.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Plains Coreopsis (Food Type: Fruit.) is a bright yellow flowering. It typically matures to a height of 1-2 feet with a branching, bushy growth habit. Several cultivars of Plains Coreopsis exist, including:
- Double Coreopsis: A variety with double the number of petals for a fuller flower.
- Sunburst: A selection with larger, golden yellow flowers.
- Lanceleaf Coreopsis: A taller variety with narrower leaves.
Interesting Facts:
- Native American tribes used Plains Coreopsis to make yellow dye.
- Plains Coreopsis is a pioneer species that can thrive in disturbed areas.
California Poppy
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces seeds throughout spring and summer (April-July) as the flowers develop and mature seed pods.
Attracts: Goldfinches (various species), Dark-eyed Juncos, California Towhees, Mourning Doves, Quail, and Wild Turkeys. California Poppies offer plentiful food during their breeding season.
Additional Benefits: Limited nesting opportunities due to the plant’s open structure. May provide some incidental cover for small birds.
Propagation: California Poppies are easy to propagate by seed. Direct sow seeds in the fall or early spring in well-drained soil.
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil is essential. Tolerates poor and sandy soils.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is widely cultivated for its cheerful orange blooms. It is an annual herb reaching 1-2 feet tall with finely divided, blue-green foliage. Large, cup-shaped, orange flowers with crinkled petals give rise to elongated seed pods as the flowers fade. The seeds mature in summer and readily fall to the ground, dispersing by natural means.
Interesting Facts:
- California Poppy is the official state flower of California.
- The flowers close at night, on cloudy days, and when it rains.
- California Poppies have historically been used medicinally by some Native American tribes.
California Poppies are a fantastic choice for attracting seed-eating birds to your backyard. The vibrant flowers brighten the landscape while providing a valuable food source throughout spring and summer.
Sunflowers
Food Type: Seeds.
Season: Produces seeds in fall (September-November) as the flower heads mature.
Attracts: Seed-eating birds including Finches (various species), Chickadees, Nuthatches, Grosbeaks, Cardinals, Jays, Woodpeckers, Doves, and Blackbirds. The large seed heads provide a bounty for many birds.
Propagation: Sunflowers are easy to propagate by seed. Direct sow seeds in the spring or early summer in well-drained soil.
Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained soil but adapts to a wide range of conditions.
Light Requirements: Full sun
Description: Sunflowers (Helianthus species) are native to North America and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Common choices for bird gardens include:
- Single-headed Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): The classic tall sunflower with a single large flower head, reaching 6-12 feet tall.
- Branching Sunflower (Helianthus spp.): A shorter, bushier variety with multiple smaller flower heads, reaching 3-5 feet tall.
Interesting Facts:
- Sunflowers are one of the tallest flowering plants.
- The large flower head actually contains hundreds of tiny florets, each producing a single seed.
- Sunflowers are known for their tendency to turn their faces towards the sun – a behavior known as heliotropism.
Sunflowers are a fantastic choice for attracting a wide variety of birds to your backyard. The massive seed heads provide a nutritious and abundant food source in the fall, especially during lean winter months.
Black-eyed Susan
Food Type: Seeds. Black-eyed Susan provides a valuable food source when other options are scarce.
Season: A Late Summer and Fall Feast! Birds enjoy the seeds from summer to early winter (July – December).
Attracts: A magnet for finches and other seed-eating birds! This includes Goldfinches, American Goldfinches, Chickadees, Cardinals, Purple Finches, and Mourning Doves.
Additional Benefits: Provides some winter cover for small birds with its branched stems.
Propagation: Black-eyed Susan readily reseeds itself, and volunteers can be easily transplanted. You can also propagate by seed sown directly outdoors in spring or fall.
Soil Needs: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained sites. Tolerates drought once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun
Description: Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a cheerful and easy-to-grow wildflower reaching 1-3 feet tall with a mature spread of 1-2 feet. It forms upright clumps with branching stems and hairy, green leaves. From summer to early fall, it produces daisy-like flowers with bright yellow petals surrounding a prominent, dark brown, cone-shaped center.
The flowers are attractive to pollinators like butterflies and bees. In fall, the flowers fade, but the seed heads persist on the plant, providing a valuable food source for birds throughout winter. It’s a low-maintenance native wildflower that attracts pollinators in the summer.
Interesting Facts:
- Black-eyed Susan is a native wildflower to eastern North America and provides a valuable food source for wildlife.
- There are many cultivars of Black-eyed Susan available, offering a variety of flower sizes and colors, including gloriosa daisies with drooping petals.
Final Thoughts: Transforming Your Yard into a Southwest bird habitat
The Southwest boasts a bird community adapted to conditions of hot temperature and limited water availability. By incorporating the native plants recommended throughout this blog post, you can create a haven that caters to their needs. From the California Live Oak acorns enjoyed by Acorn Woodpeckers in New Mexico to the pulp of Prickly Pear sought by Thrashers in California, your landscaping choices can make a difference.
Whether you reside in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, West Texas, or Arizona, these native plants will thrive in the Southwest’s climate.
The plant selection in this article offers an attractive and eco-friendly escape for you and a reliable food source and shelter for birds. Remember, even a small patch in your yard planted with native blooms can make a positive impact. So, embrace the natural beauty of the Southeast and watch your yard transform into a bird sanctuary!