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Great Pollinator Plants for California Deserts

Attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden

Pollinator Plants, Butterfly Plants, Hummingbird Plants, Bee Plants, Western US Plants, California Native Plants, Native Plants

Pollinators are nearly as important as sun, soil and water in both flowering plant reproduction and in the production of most fruits and vegetables. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, about 80% of all flowering plants and over three-quarters of the staple crop plants that feed humankind, rely on animal pollinators. Primary animal pollinators include ants, bees, beetles, butterflies, flies, birds, hummingbirds and moths. Pollinator populations are, however, on the decline for various reasons including habitat loss, introduction and spread of invasive plant species, misuse of pesticides and disease. Providing wildflower-rich habitat is the most significant action you can take to support these important pollinators.

What You Can Do for Pollinators:

  • Grow native flowering plants – Adapted to local soils and climates, native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees are usually the best sources of nectar and pollen for native pollinators. Most native plants require little irrigation, bloom without fertilizers, and are unlikely to become weedy.
  • Plant in the sun – Your pollinator-friendly plants should receive full sun throughout most of the day. Butterfly adults generally feed only in the sun.
  • Provide long-lasting blooms – Sustain pollinators throughout the seasons. Plant a variety of plants that flower at different times providing nectar and pollen sources throughout the growing season.
  • Plant in groups – Clumps of flowering plants will attract more pollinators than single plants scattered in the landscape.
  • No insecticides – Insecticides have the potential to poison or kill pollinators.

Here is a list of California native plants that are very attractive to pollinators and are well-suited for plantings in gardens.

Guide Information

Native Plants California, United States
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees

Great Pollinator Plants for California Deserts

Asclepias fascicularis (Narrowleaf Milkweed)
Asclepias subulata (Rush Milkweed)
Atriplex canescens (Four-Wing Saltbush)
Baccharis salicifolia (Mule Fat)
Baileya multiradiata (Desert Marigold)
Chilopsis linearis (Desert Willow)
Cleome isomeris (Bladderpod)
Condea emoryi (Desert Lavender)
Encelia actoni (Acton Encelia)
Encelia farinosa (Brittlebush)
Epilobium canum (California Fuchsia)
Ericameria nauseosa (Rubber Rabbitbrush)
Eriogonum fasciculatum (California Buckwheat)
Eriogonum umbellatum (Sulphur Buckwheat)
Eriophyllum confertiflorum (Golden Yarrow)
Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy)
Fouquieria splendens (Ocotillo)
Larrea tridentata (Creosote Bush)
Muhlenbergia rigens (Deer Grass)
Opuntia basilaris (Beavertail Cactus)
Parkinsonia florida (Blue Paloverde)
Penstemon palmeri (Scented Penstemon)
Phacelia campanularia (Desert Bluebell)
Phacelia tanacetifolia (Fiddleneck)
Prosopis glandulosa (Honey Mesquite)
Prosopis pubescens (Screwbean Mesquite)
Prunus ilicifolia (Hollyleaf Cherry)
Purshia tridentata (Antelope Bitterbrush)
Rhamnus ilicifolia (Hollyleaf Redberry)
Salvia columbariae (Chia Sage)
Salvia dorrii (Desert Sage)
Salvia mellifera (Black Sage)
Senegalia greggii (Catclaw Acacia)
Sphaeralcea ambigua (Desert Mallow)
Sporobolus airoides (Alkali Sacaton)
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Southern California Desert
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Native Plants California, United States
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Southern California Desert

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