Urban and suburban development always results in the loss of habitat for native wildlife, especially birds. Landscaping with wildlife in mind means that you are providing for the vital needs of local and migratory birds who rely on these plants for shelter, food, and nesting for their young. Native plants are the best choice because they provide exactly the right amenities for the local wildlife that has evolved to rely on these plants for their survival. Here are ten of the best plants you can include in your desert landscape.
Ironwood (Olneya Tesota)
This tree is a bird sanctuary that provides a dense canopy for protection and protein-rich pods with seeds.
Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis Velutina)
Birds love these canopies for breeding, nesting, and roosting sites. Birds love the insects that are attracted to it along with the seeds and sweet fleshy pods.
Prickly Pear (Opuntia species)
This plant is a great escape cover for many birds. The juicy fruit is prized by many bird species and the flowers attract butterflies and other pollinating insects.
Desert Marigold (Baileya Mutiradiata)
If you give this plant a little water in the summer, it will produce flowers all year. Doves, sparrows, and finches love the seeds.
Blue Palo Verde (Cercidium Floridium)
Arizona’s state tree puts on a spectacular display of yellow flowers in the spring and provides shelter and seeds for native bird species.
Desert Willow (Chilopsis Linearis)
From April through September, this tree produces beautiful orchid-like flowers. Hummingbirds and verdins sip the nectar from its flowers and several other bird species enjoy its seeds in the fall.
Saltbush (Artiplex Canescens)
The seeds of the bush are enjoyed by various birds including quail, doves, towhees, and finches. It also gives birds cover and nesting.
Chuparosa (Justicia Californica)
The red tubular flowers of this plant are prized by hummingbirds, blooming throughout fall and winter.
Fairy Duster (Calliandra Eriophylla)
This plant with feathery red flowers provides nutritious seed pods for birds as well as nectar.
Globe Mallow (Sphaeralcea Ambigua)
These showy stalks of orange flowers bloom in spring and sometimes in fall. Doves, quail, and sparrows feed on the seeds.