Plants that are native to our Lower Mojave Desert are best suited to support our local bird populations. They meet the specific nutritional needs of our birds and the insects that birds feed upon because they have evolved together over many years.
Red Rock Audubon encourages people to plant native plants whenever possible. However, sourcing true native Lower Mojave Desert plants is a challenge. Retail outlets have limited stock and limited varieties. A native plant that might be available in the spring is not available in the fall and vice versa.
Desert-adapted plants are always an option if you can't go native. The variety and availability are greater, although you sacrifice a bit of the nutritional value as the seeds and nectar they produce are not specifically matched to meet the needs of local birds and insects.
Local rather than national chains are more likely to carry the native plants which you might be searching for. You can always inquire about the availability of a certain plant that has caught your attention.
Native plants are sometimes available through twice yearly sales held by Springs Preserve or the Nevada State Nursery through a variety of programs they hold with various non-profit groups. Red Rock Audubon will work with these organizations to advise the public when these opportunities arise.
WARNING: Collecting seeds and plants on public lands is regulated by law. You must have a permit from the government entity upon whose land you wish to collect. Please do your research, act responsibly and protect our public lands.
Please visit the links below for lists of native plants:
National Audubon Plants for Birds by Zip Code
Springs Preserve Native Plants for the Las Vegas Landscape
Southern Nevada Pollinator Plants
Red Rock Audubon Plants that Attract Birds
Five Good Choices
Red Rock Audubon encourages people to plant native plants whenever possible. However, sourcing true native Lower Mojave Desert plants is a challenge. Retail outlets have limited stock and limited varieties. A native plant that might be available in the spring is not available in the fall and vice versa.
Desert-adapted plants are always an option if you can't go native. The variety and availability are greater, although you sacrifice a bit of the nutritional value as the seeds and nectar they produce are not specifically matched to meet the needs of local birds and insects.
Local rather than national chains are more likely to carry the native plants which you might be searching for. You can always inquire about the availability of a certain plant that has caught your attention.
Native plants are sometimes available through twice yearly sales held by Springs Preserve or the Nevada State Nursery through a variety of programs they hold with various non-profit groups. Red Rock Audubon will work with these organizations to advise the public when these opportunities arise.
WARNING: Collecting seeds and plants on public lands is regulated by law. You must have a permit from the government entity upon whose land you wish to collect. Please do your research, act responsibly and protect our public lands.
Please visit the links below for lists of native plants:
National Audubon Plants for Birds by Zip Code
Springs Preserve Native Plants for the Las Vegas Landscape
Southern Nevada Pollinator Plants
Red Rock Audubon Plants that Attract Birds
Five Good Choices