Designing Habitats in Urban Environments - Design with the Desert: Conservation and Sustainable Development - page 392

TABLE 22.3
Native a Plants for Hummingbird Habitats

Species Common Name Type Notes

Acacia willardiana Palo blanco Tre e Cover

Anisacanthus thurberi Desert honeysuckle Shrub Food

Calliandra californica Baja fairy duster Shrub Food

Fouquieria splendens Ocotillo Accent Food

Hesperaloe parviflora Red yucca Accent Food

Justicia californica Chuparosa Shrub Food

Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal flower Small shrub Food

Mimosa dysocarpa Spiny mimosa Shrub Food

Penstemon parryi Parry's penstemon Small perennial Food

Parkinsonia microphylla Foothills paloverde Large shrub/small tree Cover

Salvia dorrii Desert purple sage Small shrub Food

Salvia greggii Autumn sage Small shrub Food

Zauschneria californica Hummingbird trumpet Small shrub Food

a Sonoran, Chihuahuan, Great Basin, and/or Mohave Deserts.

to greater availability of nectar and larval food plants. During this time, males use hilltops
for mate location and frequently perch on the tallest shrubs or trees in natural communi-
ties. 12 In the hottest months, butterflies cluster in lower elevation locations, and gatherings
of butterflies in moist pockets on the ground occur during the rainy season in July and
August, when the adults take in moisture and salt. 12 The fall season is a productive time
for egg production, until freezing nights cease adult activity. Created habitats may include
some nonnative species that extend the period of availability of nectar-rich plants. 13,14 For
example, exotic species such as lantana ( Lantana spp.) and rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis) )
offer nutritional support during the late fall and early spring when limited nectar is
available from native plants. However, use of bush lantana ( Lantana camara ) should be
avoided to prevent potential spread into natural areas.
Design of a butterfly habitat follows the general design guidelines relating to the arrange-
ment of plants and variety. However, there are slight variations and additional guidelines
that should be used that take into account some of the seasonal needs of butterflies:
Provide a variety of plants that feed larval and adult butterflies.
Food plants need to provide for two different stages of the butterfly's life: larval and
adult. Therefore, it is important to have an adequate mix of plants that will support larvae
and other plants that will be available for the adults:

1. Emphasize massing of plants : Massing should be relatively greater in butterfly hab-
itats compared to bird habitats. This is due to the greater recognition factor of
plant masses rather than a singular plant by adult butterflies. Use of accent plants
(unique shape such as agaves or yuccas) within the many masses can create effec-
tive contrast and interest for the butterflies and habitat visitors.

2. Provide sunny, wind-protected locations : Butterflies are cold-blooded and need sun-
light to warm the muscles they use to fly, and protection from wind when feeding
(Figure 22.6).

3. Provide a puddle : Butterflies require a shallow puddle or moist soil for water (see
Figure 22.4). A slow dripping emitter near a water-loving plant can fulfill this need.