Plants for Birds in the Southwest

As William Cullina mentions in his article on works for birds , the distressing reality is songster are disappearing : “ Habitat loss , pesticide , and the accompany decline of insect populations have contributed to a exit of 25 to 30 per centum of North American songbirds since 1970 . ”

But gardeners can serve , and it just requires purchase fresh plants ! By growing more plants that help back local bird populations , you’re able to do your part . Find plant for birds in the Southwest below , and discover even more plants for chick in William ’s article , Native Plants for the Birds .

1. Four-Wing Saltbush

Name:Atriplex canescens

Zones:6–10

Size:3 to 6 foot marvellous and 2 to 4 substructure full

condition : Full sun ; well - drain soil

aboriginal range : Western North America

Four - wing saltbush is a spectacular wildlife shrub , and shuttlecock utilise it for almost impenetrable protection from airborne and land predators . The leaves are a slight grayish - green on sturdy stems that take form a dull , rounded habit . Tiny light-headed yellow flowers contain on the tips of arm in late summertime develop bunch of four - fly light green seed that are used by birds for food and nest fodder . This shrub takes drouth tolerance to a whole unexampled level ; it ’s on equation with cacti in terms of its need for water system . If you are appear for textural variety with sort electric potential , then this bush is for you .

2. Thornless Cockspur Hawthorne

Name:Crataegus crus-gallivar.inermis

Zones:3–7

Size:12 to 15 foot tall and 12 to 15 invertebrate foot all-encompassing

Conditions : Full sun ; medium to well - drain soil

Native range : Eastern North America

This humble Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is a great summation to any garden . whitened flowers flower in spring , followed by luscious , bright green leaves and dark red fruits that ripen in summertime and hang on into recent fall . These modest yield are beloved by birds . Additionally , the nasty - knit branch structure fosters a singular perch for songster all year long . Adding to this tree diagram ’s multiseason interest group is its leaf , which turn ruddy and yellow in fall . Thornless cocksfoot hawthorne fosters snort life in compact spaces such as little patios or enclosed courtyards . I suggest planting it in tight group of three or five for maximum impingement .

3. Winterfat

Name:Krascheninnikovia lanata

Zones:3–8

Size:2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 foot wide

Winterfat is a salient textural bush with dense , fluffy clean seed bunch . The seed are used for nesting material by birds as well as ground - dwelling wildlife . This shrub has white bloom spikes that have a cottony search and bloom throughout summer , capitulation , and winter . plant in group , it also supply birds and wildlife with plenty of protection from vulture . Winterfat is underutilized in the landscape painting but gives any garden multiseason interest , and it has low water and maintenance needs . It count gorgeous in wintertime with a light frost or snowfall gracing its foggy flower spike , and it will go the worst drought after constitution .

4. Fernbush

Name:Chamaebatiaria millefolium

Zones:4–8

Size:3 to 5 foot marvellous and 3 to 6 feet wide

Native Range : Western United States

Also called desert fresh , fernbush creates a grand bird sanctuary when planted in grouping of three to five . This evergreen plant is extremely stalwart and can take the heat . Fernbush put up fantabulous textural diverseness to garden beds . The seed , which are produce after the flower in mid to late spring , are nag at by dame , and the leaves are used for nesting textile by snort as well as earth - dwelling wildlife . Once established , this shrub will power through the driest of season . If you feel compelled to clip it , verify not to cut it too far back , as it will look buzzed . Fernbush raise and broadcast quickly , so just a few shrubs will fulfill out a small area in one growing time of year .

Mark Brotton is the owner and primary designer at Living Water Irrigation and Landscape in Santa Fe , New Mexico .

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Fernbush

Photo: courtesy of Mark Brotton

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Four-wing saltbush

Photo: courtesy of Mark Brotton

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