Page 21 - BRN April 2021

• *Brickellia – Flowers of several species of Brickellia and the related Eupatorim provide nectar sources for night flying moths. The sweet fragrance of the night-blooming flowers can be detected on evening walks. Like many natives, they are seldom available.
• *New Mexico Thistle (Cirsium neomexicanum). Showy pink flowers, nectar source. Thistles are host plants for painted lady butterfly. This widely distributed butterfly uses other native species as well. Native thistles can be found from seed sources.
• *Fleabane Daisy (Erigeron species). The flat-topped flowers of fleabane daisies make a nice landing platform for nectar-seeking butterflies and bees. Fleabanes are excellent nectar sources and are host plant for the hooded owlet and flower moths. Plantings are sometimes available from seed. Keep these on your property if they are present.
• Hopi Blanketflower (Gallardia pinnatifida). A variety of tiny native bees and other visitors are attracted to the delicate bright yellow and orange flowerhead.
• *Pearly Everlasting (Gnapthalium wrightii). This soft, silvery-leafed native perennial may not seem like it is in the sunflower family! Although it is not common in the nursery industry, it can be found in native landscapes in our area. It is a host plant for American lady butterfly; the caterpillar is black with yellow cross-bands and light- colored spots.
• *Annual sunflower (Helianthus anuus). Annual sunflowers are a good nectar source for migrating monarchs. This widespread native sunflower provides an excellent nectar source for a variety of butterflies including monarchs and two-tailed swallowtails. Goldfinches love the seeds and also pick at leaves. Hummingbirds nectar on the flowers.
• Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum). Early summer bloom. A fragile perennial; it breaks off easily and should be isolated from walkways.
• Mexican Hat (Ratibida columnifera). A nectar-rich plant particularly for bees.
• Blackeyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). Nectar plants with summer bloom.
• Plains Zinnia (Zinnia grandiflora). Nectar plants with summer bloom.
# Globe Mallow (Sphaeralcea species). Delicate, orange mallow flowers provide nectar for butterflies. Globe mallow may also be a host for the common checker- skipper; this pretty moth-like butterfly is only about 1” in width across its wings.
*Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja species). These plants are partially parasitic on grama grass with which it grows; they are difficult to start
from seed and should not be transplanted. The flowers provide a nectar source for a variety of insects including checkerspot butterflies. Hummingbirds are attracted by the colored bracts which surround the tiny flowers.
Spring to early summer:
• # Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). This is a valuable nectar plant, it hosts the caterpillars of painted lady butterflies, and it is of special value to native bees.
Penstemons – Arizona and New Mexico are home to dozens of species of Penstemon. Some are butterfly host plants, for example, Penstemon species host the caterpillars of arachne checkerspot, dotted checkerspot, and the variable checkerspot. The variety of beautiful, tubular or bell-shaped flowers of penstemons are also a nectar source for many insects and hummingbirds.
• # Beard-tongue Penstemon (Penstemon barbatus). Hummingbirds love the red flowers.
• # Scented Penstemon (Penstemon palmeri). Large bodied bumblebees and carpenter bees are attracted to this broad, open throated, very fragrant flower.
• Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus). Hummingbirds come to the blue, spring flowers. Native to higher elevations, it will need more water than other Penstemons.
Summer to Fall
#Milkweeds: The complex, beautiful flowers of milkweeds are excellent nectar sources. Milkweeds are also caterpillar host plants for monarch and queen butterflies. These plants contain poisonous chemicals that do not harm the caterpillars and butterflies that feed on them; however, consuming these compounds does make them very distasteful to predators!
Globe mallows require little if any care and come in a variety of hues. 20
(Barnes)