By Devon Snyder
Oftentimes we look to create positive environmental change through large restoration projects, changes in land management, or even regulations focused on climate change. These efforts all focus on the big picture, which can be somewhat removed from our day-to-day experience. With the status quo turned on its head these days, now is a time when many of us have time to pay attention to what is closest to home: our own yards and gardens. Planting native plants and pollinator-friendly wildflowers is a relatively simple and rewarding way to make a difference right at home, right now. These gardens can be as grand as re-planting expansive lawns with native plants, or as small as a container on an apartment balcony. Today we know that pollinators and other insects are facing immense challenges, and one of the primary causes of this is lack of plants to keep them fed and healthy. In our cities and towns, we can choose to grow plants that feed bees, tolerate the nibbling of our native beetles and caterpillars, rejuvenate soil, and create an urban ecosystem.
Here in Nevada, we live in the driest state in the nation. This environment is challenging for plants that were bred in other regions, so we make up for it by watering them on a regular basis. Native plants evolved with the climate In the Great Basin, so they require much less – and sometimes zero – irrigation. So in addition to providing pollinator habitat, you can conserve water by converting portions of your yard to these species. All of the species listed here require no additional irrigation once the plants are established. These are plants and seeds you can buy right now, with links to where to buy and how to care for them.
Palmers penstemon (Penstemon palmeri)
Palmers penstemon is a top pick for it’s stunning light pink blossoms and strikingly tall stature. In deep, well-drained soil this plant can reach up to 6 feet in height, but it will happily grow in other soil types as well. It is recommended that this plant is grown from seed, and lucky for us, it’s readily available for sewing this fall.
https://bbbseed.com/product/penstemon-palmer-penstemon-palmeri/
Globemallow (Sphaeralcea spp.)
There are several species of globemallow that can be grown in the home garden. These are a little harder to find, however Munroe’s globemallow (S. munroana) is currently available via mail order at High Country Gardens. Seeds for desert globemallow (S. ambigua) are available online in the following locations:
- https://store.theodorepayne.org/sphaeralcea-ambigua-apricot-mallow-seed.html
- https://www.everwilde.com/store/Desert-Globemallow-Wildflower-Seeds.html
- https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/product/mallow-desert-globemallow-sphaeralcea-ambigua-packet-of-100-seeds/
- https://www.naturesseed.com/wildflower-seed/individual-wildflower-species/desert-globemallow/
Lewis blue flax (Linum lewisii)
Lewis blue flax is a perennial wildflower, with a broad native range across north America. You’ll delight to find a new set of periwinkle blossoms open with the morning sun each day. It rapidly reseeds itself and is a fantastic filler plant between more robust widlflowers, grasses, and shrubs. This plant is frequently found in wildflower mixes and it is quite easy to buy single-species seed packets of this plant (links). Try not to confuse this species with it’s nearly identical European cousin, Linum perenne.
https://www.naturesseed.com/wildflower-seed/individual-wildflower-species/lewis-blue-flax/
https://bbbseed.com/product/flax-blue-linum-lewisii/
Purple sage (Salvia dorrii)
Purple sage (also known as Door’s sage and desert purple sage) is a small shrub with light green leaves. It’s leaves and flowers are incredibly fragrant. This plant is an excellent choice for a zero-irrigation garden in the Great Basin region. You can currently find this plant at select native plant nurseries in Oregon, and it is available through mail order from High Country Gardens. https://www.highcountrygardens.com/salvia-dorrii-desert-purple-sage
Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa and Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus)
Rabbitbrush, considered an allergy-triggering weed by many, is actually an incredibly valuable pollinator plant! It provides abundant yellow flowers late into the fall. This plant is very easy to grow from seed, and chances are you have some wind-blown volunteer plants in your yard already. They will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and will survive for many years.
When choosing native plants for your home landscape, remember that it might be a slow process. You will probably not get that instant gratification of bountiful blooms and dense foliage like you do from traditional landscape plants. Native desert plants put energy into root structure first, and because of this they will survive for years with little maintenance.
Additional notes
Please resist the temptation to dig up or harvest seed and cuttings from plants in the wild. Not only are there laws protecting plants on public land, but there are ecological consequences. Remember that our native desert plants spend several years building roots to be able to survive and reproduce in this water-limited environment, so any disturbance can be disastrous for them. Seed collections are to be done by trained professionals to maintain the viability of wild populations and ensure seeds are put to good use once collected. Taking too many cuttings from plants can take food away from wildlife or undermine a plant’s ability to store energy. Additionally, plants often die from transplant shock or removal of too much root mass. We may want to create habitat in our backyard, but the natural ecosystem needs these plants more than we do!
Photo credits:
Rubber rabbitbrush: https://pawneebuttesseed.com/seeds/rubber-rabbitbrush/
Globemallow: https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/649--sphaeralcea-ambigua
blue fax = Devon Snyder
Palmers penstemon: Devon Snyder
Salvie dorrii: the late Mary Winter (via CalPhotos)
rabbitbrush: https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/article219073330.html Bob Brawdy
Click here for a self-guided map of native and pollinator-friendly gardens in the Reno area.
If you have a native garden you would like to add to the map, please let us know.
Devon Snyder is a rangeland ecologist at University of Nevada, Reno. She studies Great Basin ecosystems, land management, and disturbance ecology. Recently she and Carrie Jensen started Wild Gardens of Washoe County to increase awareness of native and low-water landscaping in the Washoe County and northern Nevada region. You can find out more @WildGardensWashoe on Facebook and Instagram.