Desert willows provide nectar for pollinators like this two-tailed swallowtail.
Pollinators are an important part of our ecosystem. The pollination services of bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, flies, hummingbirds and bats are necessary for the reproduction of most flowering plants, including the fruits and vegetables we eat. Pollinators and other insects also contribute to the ecosystem by serving as food for a wide variety of other creatures.
Flowering trees provide nectar and pollen for pollinators to eat. The leaves of native trees provide crucial food for caterpillars, which are a key food for birds. The cavities in older trees provide shelter for bees, butterflies and bats.
To help your trees provide maximum support for pollinators:
- Choose native species (see the list below). Native pollinators have co-evolved with native trees and many cannot survive without a specific partner.
- Avoid or reduce insecticide and herbicide use.
- Remove weed barrier. Native bees need access to the ground to build their nests. Your trees will also appreciate the improved water infiltration.
- Leave fallen leaves on the ground to decompose, or rake them into your compost. Pollinators are spending the winter in those leaves!
- Weed thoughtfully. Native wildflowers provide nectar when your trees aren't in bloom.
- Educate your neighbors about how they can better care for pollinators and trees!
New Mexico native trees with exceptional pollinator value:
Medium to large (20'-50'):
- Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
- Netleaf Hackberry (Celtis reticulata)
- Gray Oak (Quercus grisea)
- Arizona White Oak (Quercus arizonica)
- Gambel Oak (Quercus gambelii)
- Soapberry (Sapindus drummondii)
- Screwbean Mesquite (Strombocarpa pubescens)
- Velvet Mesquite🏜️ (Neltuma velutina)
- Eastern /Texas Honey Mesquite✂️ (Neltuma glandulosa)
- Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
- Gooding's Black Willow💧 (Salix goodingii)
- Rio Grande Cottonwood💧 (Populus deltoides wislizenii)
Small (10'-20'):
- New Mexico Olive✂️ (Forestiera pubescens)
- Seepwillow (Bacharis salicina & B. salicifolia)
- Desert Broom🏜️✂️ (Baccharis sarothroides)
- Desert Scrub Oak (Quercus turbinella)
- Wild Plum⛰️ (Prunus americana)
- Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia)
- Chokecherry ⛰️ (Prunus virginiana var.
melomacarpa) - New Mexico Locust (Robinia neomexicana)
- Western/New Mexico Honey Mesquite✂️ (Neltuma odorata)
- Catclaw Acacia🏜️✂️ (Senegalia greggii)
Very small (8'-15'):
- Native sumacs✂️ (Rhus microphylla, R. trilobata, R. lanceolata & R. glabra )
- Cliffrose (Purshia stansburyana)
- Red Agarita✂️ (Berberis haematocarpa)
- Creosote bush🏜️ (Larrea tridentata)
- Mountain Mahoganies (Cercocarpus breviflorus & C. montanus)
- Coyote Willow💧 (Salix exigua)
Specific needs:
- 🏜️ = Likes heat. Best below 6000'
- ⛰️ = Likes cold. Best above 6000'
- 💧= High water needs.
- ✂️ = Naturally shrubby. Lower limbs can be removed to form a tree.
Desert broom provides abundant nectar for honeybees as well as native pollinators.
Littleleaf sumac's spring blooms attractive pollinators like this wasp.
Plant Lists:
- ABQ Backyard Refuge Plant List
- Xerces Society Plant Lists
- Audobon bird-friendly native plants (filter by trees!)