NEWS

Southeast CO Native Plants

Apr 9
1 min read

This region of Colorado is the hottest and driest region in the state. Experiencing over 60 days above 90 degrees, and very little precipitation, only select plants can thrive well here. The use of native plants in this region enhances natural beauty, and provides for the 400+ species birds that utilize this region as a migratory layover and conserves precious water resources.

Common Name	Scientific Name	Mature Size	Water	Exposure	Wildlife Value
Crested Prickly Poppy	Argemone polyanthemos	30” x 12”	low	sun/part shade	bees
Tree Cholla	Cylindropuntia imbricata var. imbricata	6’ x 4’	low	sun	Native pollinators, bees, birds
Switchgrass	Panicum virgatum	48” x 36”	low	sun	birds
Rabbitbrush	Ericameria nauseosa (Chrysothamnus nauseosus)	5’ x 5’	low	sun/part shade	Native pollinator, bee, butterfly
Bee Balm	Monarda fistulosa L. menthafolia	24” x 24”	low	sun	Native pollinators, bees, butterflies
Yellow Sundrops	Oenothera (Calylophus) serratulata	12” x 12”	low	sun	Native pollinator, bee butterfly
Gayfeather, Dotted Blazing Star	Liatris punctata	24” x 12”	low	sun	Native pollinator, bee, butterfly

This list was created with resources from the Xerces Society, the Colorado Native Plant Society, and the Biota of North America Project. Check out their websites for even more plant recommendations!

Photo of Switchgrass from Colorado Springs Utilities. Photo of Bee Balm by Rob Greer.

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