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Metro San Diego Clubs & Organizations National Wildlife Federation/ San Diego County The Basic Elements of a Wildlife Habitat Easy to Find and Grow Lists FOOD Supply food through native and supportive exotic vegetation in order to meet the year around needs of many species. Bird feeders can supplement native sources. Weedy patches and thistles are valuable food sources for many birds. WATERMost species need water for feeding and bathing. Water can be supplied in a birdbath, small pond, or even a shallow dish. Butterflies like a muddy puddle. COVER Wildlife needs protection against the elements and predators. Densely branched trees and shrubs, hollow logs, rock piles, brush piles, stone walls, evergreens, thick grasses and deep water provide cover for many species. Be sure to keep cover areas a safe distance from food and water in order to avoid these areas becoming hiding places for predators stalking prey at feeders and water sources.SAFE PLACES TO RAISE YOUNG Safe places for reproduction and nurturing young animals are critical to make a habitat complete. Many cover areas also provide safe nesting places. SUSTAINABLE GARDENING PRACTICES Remember to use only organic practices in your yard. Pesticides can kill birds, butterflies, lizards and all your wildlife friends. If you feel that you have to use pesticides, it's best for everyone if you use them as sparingly as possible and as a last resort. A few bugs are great food sources for birds. Use mulch and compost, and leave some leaf litter on the ground. All herbs attract beneficial insects and are a valuable addition to keeping your habitat garden pest-free. EASY TO FIND AND EASY TO GROW Local Habitat Stewards' top picks for native and exotic plants that support wildlife* TREES California Live Oak -- over 1500 species rely on oaks for food and shelter Toyon - the favorite berry of most California birds Citrus – attracts butterflies to your garden Pomegranate – for hummingbirds and orioles Pines – for food and cover Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) Sycamore SHRUBS Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus ilicifolia) Cassia 'Buttercream' Cape Honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis) may become invasive Butterfly Bush (Buddleja) Bottlebrush (Callistemon) Coffeeberry (Rhamnus) - some species tolerate shade Glossy Abelia – tolerates some shade Manzanita (especially 'Sunset' Manzanita) California Lilac (Ceanothus) – some species tolerate shade Lemonadeberry, Sugar Bush, Laurel Sumac Mallows (Lavateras, both exotic and native) Pyracantha Gooseberries (Ribes) Mexican Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) Skyflower (Duranta) Grevilleas PERENNIALS California Fuchsia (Epilobium or Zauschneria spp.) Lilac Verbena (Verbena Lilacina) Salvias especially Cleveland Sage and Mexican Bush Sage (S. clevelandii and S. leucantha and S. greggii) Coast Sunflower (Encelia californica) Lavenders and Rosemary Penstemons – both natives and exotics Bush Island Snapdragon (Galvezia speciosa) Cardinal Flower (Lobelia laxiflora) Buckwheat (Eriogonum species) Mexican Lobelia (Lobelia laxiflora) Star Flower – Pentas lanceolata GRASSES, SEDGES, GROUNDCOVERS AND FILLERS Coyote Bush (Baccharis) Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens) Berkeley Sedge (Carex tumulicola) and Clustered Field Sedge (Carex praegracilis) Lantana Salvia 'Dara's Choice' Gazanias, Felicia, Cosmos and Coreopsis for butterflies California Poppies Alyssum – tolerates some shade Douglas Iris – tolerates some shade Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) to bring Monarchs to your garden Sunflowers Plumbago Hollyhocks VINES California Wild Grape Roger's Red California Honeysuckle (Lonicera subspicata) Passionflower (Passiflora caerulea) *Habitat stewards are trained volunteers of the NWF Backyard Habitat program. Please see our website for more lists, tips and useful information! Links coming soon..... Privacy Statement Neighborhood Link Terms of Use © 1997 - 2006 Neighborhood Link, Inc.