Author Archives: George@PW

On a cold November day in 2020, I moved a Queen caterpillar indoors to save it from nighttime freezing temperatures. It was feeding on A. subulata (Desert Milkweed), so I replenished a stock of stems and flowers daily…

The next day the caterpillar became a chrysalis. Nine days later the chrysalis turned dark burgundy, and the following day a Queen was born.

In December 2020 I started some Asclepias subulata seeds. They started germinating surprisingly quickly, and within a week seedlings were peaking above the peat pods. I recommend starting the seeds in March so the seedlings can go in the ground immediately; they don’t like their roots disturbed.

The great thing about Desert Milkweed seeds is that they don’t need any special treatment, like scarification or stratification, and the plants are very low maintenance!

How to Care for Native Milkweed

1. Seedlings (in a black cone) can be planted in the ground or in a larger pot. Milkweeds in a 1-gallon pot can be planted in the ground.
2. Dig the hole only as deep as the roots but twice as wide. Set the soil aside.
3. Carefully remove the plant from the pot, trying not to disturb the roots too much.
4. Place the plant in the hole and carefully replace the soil you set aside around the roots. Maintain the soil line (make sure the soil is up to the same point on the plant that it was when the plant was in the pot).
5. Gently tamp down the soil around the roots. Add more soil if needed to maintain the soil line.
6. Lightly water the plant until the soil is saturated. Use drip irrigation or turn the hose on so the water just trickles.
7. Water deeply every day for about 1 week so the roots can get established. Then water every 4-5 days after that. For Asclepias angustifolia, water every 2-3 days. In the summer you can water at the same frequency but for a longer period of time during each watering.

Welcome to the Pollinator Web blog! This blog focuses on pollinators and the cast of supporters, like host and nectar plants, as well as how to create your own patch of pollinator paradise.

As you explore this site, hover your mouse over titles, plant and insect names, and photo captions – many of them are linked to sites with additional information!

• Nurturing Biodiversity: Pollinator Pathways, Corridors, Patches, and Stepping Stones in the Sonoran Desert – Part 2
  Creating Bee-Friendly Spaces: Pollinator Patches and Stepping Stones in Sonoran Desert Neighborhoods In Part 1 of this series we looked at how creating corridors, patches and stepping stones can enable pollinators in residential and commercialContinue reading “Nurturing Biodiversity: Pollinator Pathways, Corridors, Patches, and Stepping Stones in the Sonoran Desert – Part 2”
• Nurturing Biodiversity: Pollinator Pathways, Corridors, Patches, and Stepping Stones in the Sonoran Desert – Part 3
  Bee Savvy: Pollinator Pathways – An Interactive Board Game You’re a solitary native bee who needs to make nectar stops on the way from the desert to your subterranean nest. You also want to bringContinue reading “Nurturing Biodiversity: Pollinator Pathways, Corridors, Patches, and Stepping Stones in the Sonoran Desert – Part 3”
• Plant for Pollinators
  Beyond Beauty: The Ecological Significance of Pollinator Gardens In today’s world, our gardens have the potential to be so much more than just a collection of pretty plants. By intentionally selecting and arranging our greenContinue reading “Plant for Pollinators”
• Nurturing Biodiversity: Pollinator Pathways, Corridors, Patches, and Stepping Stones in the Sonoran Desert – Part 1
  Unlocking the Secrets of the Sonoran Desert Ecosystem In this 3 part series we’ll look at how you can help native bees survive in a Sonoran Desert that is increasing fragmented by development. Part 3Continue reading “Nurturing Biodiversity: Pollinator Pathways, Corridors, Patches, and Stepping Stones in the Sonoran Desert – Part 1”
• Igniting Curiosity in Your Garden: Unveiling the Power of Innovative Plant Tags
  Imagine stepping into a garden that perfectly captures the beauty and resilience of the Sonoran Desert. With vibrant blooms and a thriving ecosystem, it’s a sight to behold. And now, with our innovative garden plantContinue reading “Igniting Curiosity in Your Garden: Unveiling the Power of Innovative Plant Tags”
• Beyond Monarchs: Discovering the Lesser-Known Butterflies of the Sonoran Desert
  Welcome to the mesmerizing realm of butterflies in the Sonoran Desert, where a kaleidoscope of colors dances through the arid landscapes. These exquisite creatures, such as the Painted Lady, Arizona Sister, Common Sootywing, White-lined Sphinx,Continue reading “Beyond Monarchs: Discovering the Lesser-Known Butterflies of the Sonoran Desert”
• Stepping Stones for Pollinators: Small Gardens, Big Impact
  Pollinator corridors, pathways, stepping stones, and patches are all integral components of creating a welcoming and sustainable environment for our pollinator friends. These terms refer to the intentional design and creation of interconnected habitats thatContinue reading “Stepping Stones for Pollinators: Small Gardens, Big Impact”
• Conserving Monarchs: Steps You Can Take in Your Phoenix Community to Support Butterfly Migration
  The migratory path of Monarch butterflies occurs in Phoenix during their annual journey between their overwintering sites in Mexico and their breeding grounds in the northern United States and Canada. Monarchs undertake this remarkable journeyContinue reading “Conserving Monarchs: Steps You Can Take in Your Phoenix Community to Support Butterfly Migration”
• The Many Roles of Bee Flies in the Sonoran Desert: From Predators to Pollinators
  Bee flies are an essential part of the pollinator garden in Arizona, serving a crucial role in pollination and as predators of other insects. These small, hairy flies resemble bees, and their resemblance to beesContinue reading “The Many Roles of Bee Flies in the Sonoran Desert: From Predators to Pollinators”
• Shade, Beauty, and Resilience: Why Palo Verde Trees Belong in Your Desert Landscape
  If you’re looking to add a touch of desert beauty to your low desert garden, you might want to consider planting a Palo Verde tree. These stunning trees are native to the Sonoran Desert andContinue reading “Shade, Beauty, and Resilience: Why Palo Verde Trees Belong in Your Desert Landscape”
• Surviving in the Desert: How Staghorn and Buckhorn Chollas Adapt to Extreme Conditions
  The Staghorn and Buckhorn chollas are two species of cacti that are native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Although they are similar in many ways, there are also some key differences betweenContinue reading “Surviving in the Desert: How Staghorn and Buckhorn Chollas Adapt to Extreme Conditions”
• Thriving in Harsh Conditions: The Amazing Adaptations of Sonoran Desert Cacti
  Cacti are a group of plants that have adapted to thrive in some of the harshest conditions on earth, including the Sonoran Desert. The Sonoran Desert spans parts of California, Arizona, and Mexico, and isContinue reading “Thriving in Harsh Conditions: The Amazing Adaptations of Sonoran Desert Cacti”
• Aloes: A Low Maintenance Addition to Your Low Desert Pollinator Garden
  Aloes are a group of succulent plants that belong to the family Asphodelaceae. They are native to Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula, and are known for their fleshy leaves that are arranged in a rosetteContinue reading “Aloes: A Low Maintenance Addition to Your Low Desert Pollinator Garden”
• Agaves in the Sonoran Desert: Providing Essential Habitat and Food for Pollinators
  The Sonoran Desert is home to a vast array of plant species, each with unique adaptations to survive in the harsh desert environment. Among the most iconic and important of these plants are the agaves.Continue reading “Agaves in the Sonoran Desert: Providing Essential Habitat and Food for Pollinators”
• Painted Lady Butterflies in the Sonoran Desert
  The Painted Lady butterfly is a beautiful and fascinating insect that can be found in the Sonoran desert, among other regions. This butterfly has a unique life cycle, including a long-distance migration that makes itContinue reading “Painted Lady Butterflies in the Sonoran Desert”
• The Magical Transformation of the Sonoran Desert: How Fall and Winter Rains Affect Wildflowers
  The Sonoran Desert is a breathtaking landscape that is home to some of the most beautiful wildflowers in the world. Many people associate wildflowers with spring and summer, but did you know that fall andContinue reading “The Magical Transformation of the Sonoran Desert: How Fall and Winter Rains Affect Wildflowers”
• What is a Sub-shrub?
  You may see plants listed under a subshrub category; how can they be used in a pollinator garden? A sub-shrub is a type of plant that has woody stems at the base, but herbaceous orContinue reading “What is a Sub-shrub?”
• Why I started observing pollinators
  Elliott invited me to contribute to his post by sharing my story, so here we go… Elliott, what a great journey, and thank you for inviting me to contribute to this post! Although it surprisedContinue reading “Why I started observing pollinators”
• Why I started observing pollinators
  Eye opening experiences with overlooked wildlife in my garden and beyond. Learning to appreciate pollinators and other invertebrates through macro photography.
• Low Desert Blooms for Pollinators in February
  2023 is starting off as a promising wildflower bloom season in the desert, but what’s blooming in the garden as pollinators begin to celebrate the warmer weather? You may be surprised! Some of the followingContinue reading “Low Desert Blooms for Pollinators in February”
• The best time to prune trees
  In the low desert, tree pruning can be done almost year round, but here are the suggested best times to trim: Don’t forget to sanitize your pruning equipment before use, and in between pruning differentContinue reading “The best time to prune trees”
• Laser Engraving: Photos
  Methods for Wood, Canvas, Mirror, Slate and Tile Precise focus of the laser is critical. Every laser is different – practice makes perfect. Wood Wood is one of the more popular options for engraving becauseContinue reading “Laser Engraving: Photos”
• Laser Engraving: NEJE 3 Max
  The NEJE 3 Max A40640 Laser Engraver Looking to make your own garden signs? Plant tags? Coasters? Hobby-level laser engraving machines make this all possible, and more. Like many hobbies, however, the actual cost ofContinue reading “Laser Engraving: NEJE 3 Max”
• Pollinator Garden Plants: Catclaw Acacia
  Senegalia greggii (formerly Acacia greggii) is native to the southwestern united states and northern Mexico at elevations below 4500′. It’s a large thorny shrub or small tree growing to 20′ tall. Flowers are fragrant. FullContinue reading “Pollinator Garden Plants: Catclaw Acacia”
• Glamorous Moths #7 – Pine Carpenterworm
  Givira lotta, the Pine Carpenterworm moth. I have a soft spot for large, fuzzy moths. This one is a member of the Carpenter and Leopard moths. From Wikipedia: The Cossidae, the cossid millers or carpenterContinue reading “Glamorous Moths #7 – Pine Carpenterworm”
• Glamorous Moths #6 – Rothschildia Silk Moth
  Our sixth featured moth is Rothschildia cinctus. They are found from southern Arizona to Panama. According to Wikipedia: Saturniinae is a subfamily of the family Saturniidae. They are commonly known as emperor moths or wildContinue reading “Glamorous Moths #6 – Rothschildia Silk Moth”
• Musings from an Albuquerque Pollinator Paradise
  If you’re reading this from New Mexico, the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge Grand Opening of Visitor Center and 10th Birthday is on Saturday, September 10th, about a month away. I hope you’ll joinContinue reading “Musings from an Albuquerque Pollinator Paradise”
• The Desert Responds: Tadpoles and Hackberries
  Last Saturday marked our first significant monsoon rainfall, measuring in at 1″, and neighboring parks allow us to observe how the desert has responded. Although the above species has yet to be determined, tadpoles canContinue reading “The Desert Responds: Tadpoles and Hackberries”
• Worst Months for Plants in Phoenix
  Although you may initially assume that the months with the hottest average temperature pose the biggest threat to plants, other factors also contribute to plant stress levels. Let’s look at a table of average weatherContinue reading “Worst Months for Plants in Phoenix”
• Best Months to Observe Butterflies in Phoenix
  Butterflies are most active when it’s warm and when nectar sources are readily available. So what are the best months to observe butterflies in the Phoenix Sonoran Desert? In Phoenix, Queens, Fiery Skippers and GulfContinue reading “Best Months to Observe Butterflies in Phoenix”
• Bee Flies as Pollinators
  Family Bombyliidae (Bee Flies): A pollinator with a bad reputation. They are among the many flies that imitate bees, bumble bees specifically. By hovering, instead of landing, they avoid many predators hiding in the flowers.Continue reading “Bee Flies as Pollinators”
• How Many Butterfly Species Live in the Sonoran Desert?
  The Sonoran Desert is bounded to the north by the Mogollon Rim, to the west by the southeastern corner of California and down into Baja California, and to the south by Sonora, Mexico. There areContinue reading “How Many Butterfly Species Live in the Sonoran Desert?”
• About Native Bees in the Sonoran Desert – Stings and Nests
  Most of the news goes to the Honey Bee, a non-native European import, but there are about 1,000 species of native bees in the Sonoran Desert bioregion. And unlike the general bee stereotype, most nativeContinue reading “About Native Bees in the Sonoran Desert – Stings and Nests”
• It’s June – where are all the native bees?
  A hike in a Phoenix nature preserve today revealed very little in bloom, and consequently few native bees or butterflies. Most of the Sonoran Desert native bees have just one generation per year, so, unlikeContinue reading “It’s June – where are all the native bees?”
• Musings from a Phoenix Pollinator Garden
  A creative photo of a sunflower with bee
• Musings from a Phoenix Pollinator Garden
  10june22 Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp, Bee Fly (genus Geron), Queen butterfly, White-winged Dove, Bee Fly, Fiery Skipper, Smoketree Sharpshooter. It’s been a hot week, with temps of 110 degrees F and above. Can’t remember the lastContinue reading “Musings from a Phoenix Pollinator Garden”
• Musings from a Phoenix Pollinator Garden
  7June22 Plants in the garden, and sharing plants from the neighbor’s garden Most urban and suburban lots are small relative to the natural tracts of native habitat, so there are limits to what we canContinue reading “Musings from a Phoenix Pollinator Garden”
• Musings from a Phoenix Pollinator Garden
  7June22 Blood-colored Milkweed Bug, Tarantula Hawk Wasp, Queen Butterfly, Ceraunus Blue Butterfly, Great Horned Owl The beauty of a pollinator garden is a two-edged wand: The reward of knowing you are contributing to the healthContinue reading “Musings from a Phoenix Pollinator Garden”
• Meet the Author: Dr. Shaun McCoshum
  An interview with Shaun McCoshum about his background, interests, research, and new gardening book.
• Book Review: Gardening for Wildlife in the arid south west regions
  Thank you for reading my review of “A short introduction to Gardening for Wildlife in the arid south west regions” by Dr. Shaun McCoshum. If you are interested, the book is available for purchase onContinue reading “Book Review: Gardening for Wildlife in the arid south west regions”
• Glamorous Moths #5 – Penstemonia
  The way that gardeners feel about moths and butterflies is often quite different, despite how closely related they are. We are happy to grow milkweed to attract Monarchs and allow the caterpillars to devour wholeContinue reading “Glamorous Moths #5 – Penstemonia”
• What are those white “eggs” all over my Cascalote?
  Also described a “salt deposits” or “sugary specs” and followed by yellowing leaves, black mold spots and defoliation. What’s going on? Sometimes called jumping plant lice, psyllid feed on a variety of plants. Both adultsContinue reading “What are those white “eggs” all over my Cascalote?”
• Pollinator Web: Arizona Bark Scorpion
  Observing the cast of characters that comprise the pollinator web ecosystem in the low desert in Phoenix Arizona. Although this scorpion does not seek to attack humans, it will sting if threatened, especially if itsContinue reading “Pollinator Web: Arizona Bark Scorpion”
• Musings from a Phoenix Pollinator Garden
  Design: TJ’s framework drawing for pool and landscape. This is the third post in this series. You can read the first post here. Bucking the trend of right angle, manicured modern design, we decided toContinue reading “Musings from a Phoenix Pollinator Garden”
• Musings from a Phoenix Pollinator Garden
  Design: North Side Yard Welcome back! This is the second installment in this series – in the previous post I presented the history of the project and the design considerations for the South Side YardContinue reading “Musings from a Phoenix Pollinator Garden”
• Musings from a Phoenix Pollinator Garden
  Join us for this series where we’ll cover a Phoenix Pollinator Garden from design to planting to pollinator observations.
• The Lifecycle of Butterflies
  A comparative look at a few southwest species It’s early May in Phoenix and we’re starting to see lots of blues, and more and more Monarchs, Queens, Yellows, Whites and Skippers. But in my yardContinue reading “The Lifecycle of Butterflies”
• Milkweed Bugs: Friend or Foe?
  What are those reddish-orange and black bugs crawling all over your milkweed, and are they harmful? Like many elements in an ecosystem, the answer fits into the gray zone. Large Milkweed bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus) andContinue reading “Milkweed Bugs: Friend or Foe?”
• The potential consequences of ‘bee washing’ by Sheila R. Colla (2022)
  Over recent decades, the plight of wild bees and other pollinators has gone from a niche area to one of the most mainstream environmental topics. Scientific research interest, capacity and consequently publications have grown tremendously in recentContinue reading “The potential consequences of ‘bee washing’ by Sheila R. Colla (2022)”
• On Farming Metal From Plants and Intelligence Beyond Humans
  Basking in our industrial and technological successes, humans have proudly flaunted their superiority over the natural world. But now the true cost of that hubris is coming to light – is it too late? TheContinue reading “On Farming Metal From Plants and Intelligence Beyond Humans”
• One Year in my Pollinator Garden
  Highlights from my pollinator garden in New Mexico, featuring more than 70 native bees and 300 species of insects.
• Glamorous Moths #4 – Southern Flannel Moth
  Wide ranging across the southern USA and northern Mexico, the Southern Flannel moth, Megalopyge opercularis, is this week’s featured moth. Read more here, if you’re interested: Megalopyge opercularis (ufl.edu). Flannel moths are in Superfamily ZygaenoideaContinue reading “Glamorous Moths #4 – Southern Flannel Moth”
• The Ladies and a Gentleman
  Painted Lady, American Lady, West Coast Lady and Red Admiral Butterflies Brush-footed butterflies belonging to the genus Vanessa, the name of the genus may have been taken from the character Vanessa in Jonathan Swift’s poem “Cadenus andContinue reading “The Ladies and a Gentleman”
• Meet the Plants: More Beardtongues
  I previously shared a few common garden Penstemon in this post. Yesterday, I was watching a talk on Penstemon by Dr. Andi Wolfe (Ohio State University) and she has some beautiful slides. Please enjoy thisContinue reading “Meet the Plants: More Beardtongues”
• Glamorous Moths #3 – ‘Colorado’ Yucca Moth
  This is the third post in a semi-regular series of interesting, colorful, and unique moths of Arizona and New Mexico. Today, I’d like to introduce you to yucca moths. Yucca moths are in the Family ProdoxidaeContinue reading “Glamorous Moths #3 – ‘Colorado’ Yucca Moth”
• The Gulf Fritillary Butterfly
  The Gulf fritillary or passion butterfly (Agraulis vanillae/Dione vanillae) is a bright orange butterfly in the subfamily Heliconiinae of the family Nymphalidae. Females are generally larger and have more brown in their markings. Gulf fritillaries have a chemical defense mechanism in which they release odorous chemicalsContinue reading “The Gulf Fritillary Butterfly”
• Glamorous Moths #2 – White-lined Sphinx
  This is the second post in a semi-regular series of interesting, colorful, and unique moths of Arizona and New Mexico. Today’s inspiration comes from a brief encounter last Friday. I was at an orchard andContinue reading “Glamorous Moths #2 – White-lined Sphinx”
• Glamorous Moths #1 – Dalcerides ingenita
  This is the first post in a new, semi-regular series of interesting, colorful, and unique moths of Arizona and New Mexico. The first post is inspired by Ronald Parry’s talk I saw on Zoom lastContinue reading “Glamorous Moths #1 – Dalcerides ingenita”
• Monarchs Are on Their Way
  Monarchs leave their Mexican roosts in the second week of March For those of us in the South, Monarchs are already creating the 1st generation of the year, moving north from Mexico and laying eggsContinue reading “Monarchs Are on Their Way”
• Great Purple Hairstreak
  Family Lycaenida, Gossamer Wing Butterflies – Jewels of the Insect World Also known as the Great Blue Hairstreak, Atlides halesus is one of the largest gossamer wing butterflies, but it’s solitary and uncommon. The caterpillarsContinue reading “Great Purple Hairstreak”
• Migration Cycle of the Painted Lady
  Africa to Europe Migration of 10,000 KM; U.S. from Canada to Mexico Museu De Ciencies Naturals De Granollers presents a fascinating journey of the Painted Lady butterfly from Subtropical Africa to Morocco. Painted Lady areContinue reading “Migration Cycle of the Painted Lady”
• Species Spotlight – Sandia Hairstreak and Beargrass
  March 13, 2022. New Mexico’s state insect, the Sandia Hairstreak butterfly, is flying again in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque. Range. Callophrys mcfarlandi was discovered in New Mexico, a state that still encompasses nearlyContinue reading “Species Spotlight – Sandia Hairstreak and Beargrass”
• Gardening for Wildlife with Native Plants
  Plant a Park! Your Adventure Awaits  People go to national parks for adventure, beauty, relaxation, and the sense of wonder of visiting a pristine natural area. Planting a tiny “national park” in your yard canContinue reading “Gardening for Wildlife with Native Plants”
• Gardening for Life / Doug Tallamy
  Chances are, you have never thought of your garden – – indeed, of all of the space on your property – – as a wildlife preserve that represents the last opportunity we have for sustainingContinue reading “Gardening for Life / Doug Tallamy”
• To What Extent Should We Help Pollinators?
  We plant natives, we irrigate and then admire the parade of pollinators in our garden. But we’re also enabling predators like assassin bugs, crab spiders and small milkweed bugs. A shocking number of plants inContinue reading “To What Extent Should We Help Pollinators?”
• Green Desert – February 28th 2022
  We had some winter rain, but then a lengthy dry spell, until just the other day, another .5″ of rain! What does this mean for wildflowers – a reasonable carpet, but most plants have stuntedContinue reading “Green Desert – February 28th 2022”
• Bumblebees of the Southwest
  Yesterday, I posted about an opportunity for public participation in a bee and plant survey. Today, I want to share the 5 most common bumblebees in Arizona and New Mexico, according to iNaturalist. American Bumblebee:Continue reading “Bumblebees of the Southwest”
• Ask a Bumblebee
  Source:  Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab (BIML) | Facebook USGS/FWS Native Bee Lab have developed a simple Plant/Bumble Bee Survey that permits anyone to survey what plants Bumble Bees use anywhere there are Bumble BeesContinue reading “Ask a Bumblebee”
• Meet the plants: Beardtongues
  Beardtongues (or Penstemon, the scientific name of the genus) are blooming again in Arizona. With over 50 wild species in Arizona and New Mexico (and more than 270 total), there’s a lot of options forContinue reading “Meet the plants: Beardtongues”
• Keystone Plants, and the Plants Beneath (Soft Landing)
  Similar to permaculture principles where you layer the plants for a forest garden, having ground covers, plants and leaf litter under keystone tree species amplifies benefits for the ecosystem. Learn More: 1 2 3 ArizonaContinue reading “Keystone Plants, and the Plants Beneath (Soft Landing)”
• Monarch Time Lapse Video
  From caterpillar, to chrysalis, to butterfly
• Mallard Ducks
  Just looking to share the beauty of these amazing animals…
• What is this HUGE insect in my yard? – From Southwest Yard & Garden Blog
  Cicada Killer Wasps Are Cooler Than They Are Scary To read more, visit: https://nmsudesertblooms.blogspot.com/2020/08/cicadakillerwasp.htmlhttps://nmsudesertblooms.blogspot.com/2020/08/cicadakillerwasp.html and https://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_h/H175/welcome.html
• Landscaping for Pollinator Diversity – From Southwest Yard & Garden Blog
  Are all bees beneficial? “For the most part, yes. Wild bees and honey bees need pollen and nectar to survive and establish their nests. Some bees can become pests when they build nests in areasContinue reading “Landscaping for Pollinator Diversity – From Southwest Yard & Garden Blog”
• Community Forests Prepare for Climate Change – From the EOS Blog
  “Trees benefit residents in communities around the world by mitigating pollution and other environmental impacts of contemporary society and by broadly improving livability in cities and towns. However, many locales are feeling the heat asContinue reading “Community Forests Prepare for Climate Change – From the EOS Blog”
• 2021 in New Mexico Butterflies – From the PEEC Blog
  “Time moves on, and the 2021 butterfly season has come to an end. As I pull together New Mexico data for the LepSoc’s Season Summary, it seems worthwhile to highlight and expand on some ofContinue reading “2021 in New Mexico Butterflies – From the PEEC Blog”
• The Desert Is Greening Up
  Winter rains have given wildflowers a good start, let’s hope future rains will give us a banner wildflower season! Combseeds are already flowering Fiddleneck and Coulter’s Lupine Ocotillo Brittlebush California Poppy Buckhorn Cholla
• What should I plant for the most pollinators?
  As much as possible! Okay, that’s not much of an answer. First, which kinds of pollinators do you want to attract? Hummingbirds – red tubular Penstemon and Acanthus flowers work great. Bees – sunflowers areContinue reading “What should I plant for the most pollinators?”
• New Insect Page on PollinatorWeb.com!
  I am happy to introduce some fantastic flying critters, from popular to obscure. In my suburban Albuquerque yard, I have recorded over 120 species from tiny fairy bees (Perdita) to noisy, showy cicada killers. IContinue reading “New Insect Page on PollinatorWeb.com!”
• Turn Off Those Landscape Lights at Night!
  About half of the insect population is nocturnal, so your outdoor lights may be contributing the the plummeting insect population numbers. We are all aware of how pesticides and industrial pollution are destroying insect habitat,Continue reading “Turn Off Those Landscape Lights at Night!”
• Caterpillars a Keystone Food Source
  We all love our butterflies because of their beauty and the services they perform as pollinators. Even though a given butterfly is unlikely to be an efficient pollinator, the sheer number of butterflies and mothsContinue reading “Caterpillars a Keystone Food Source”
• Small Gardens Can Make a Large Difference
  Small garden, no problem, no garden, plant in pots! In urban settings, small contributions can have significant benefits to Pollinators. “The types of plants that gardeners chose to grow did matter, however. The researchers foundContinue reading “Small Gardens Can Make a Large Difference”
• Climate Change and Corridors
  Current and projected climate change may have significant impacts on biodiversity and other resources. Corridors and buffers may potentially affect these impacts in several ways. “Corridors may be of limited value for biodiversity if climateContinue reading “Climate Change and Corridors”
• Connecting Pollinator Areas
  In urban areas, development has fragmented pollinator resources. Homeowners, renters, businesses and governments can all contribute to connecting these resources with patches, corridors and stepping stones. For terrestrial species, habitat loss and fragmentation represent the primary threatsContinue reading “Connecting Pollinator Areas”
• What Are Pollinator Stepping Stones?
  Stepping stones and patches are small areas of pollinator habitat that ensure that insects have nectar and host plants as they move through our urban environment. “Small patches can serve as stepping stones, allowing forContinue reading “What Are Pollinator Stepping Stones?”
• Chuparosa – For the Love of Hummingbirds
  But great for butterflies and people too! “If Arizona’s hummingbirds could vote on a state flower, it would be Chuparosa (Justicia californica).” Given adequate water, Chuparosa will bloom year round. Also attracts butterflies and is the hostContinue reading “Chuparosa – For the Love of Hummingbirds”
• Lynne’s Legacy Texas Sage
  Leucophyllum, commonly called Texas Sage, are among the most reliable and fool-proof of the low water use plants available in Arizona. In the past twenty years, many new species and varieties have been brought intoContinue reading “Lynne’s Legacy Texas Sage”
• Flower Power: Asteraceae
  If your looking to plant a lot of pollinator punch in your yard, the Asteraceae family acts as hosts to a wide variety of butterflies, including: Cabbage White, Common Buckeye, Common Checkered Skipper, Dainty Sulphur,Continue reading “Flower Power: Asteraceae”
• Nectar Powerhouse: Gregg’s Mistflower
  There is a groundcover species Conoclinium greggii, and a shrubby one, Chromolaena odorata; both have an alkaloid in their nectar that Monarchs and Queens use to attract mates. Add a host plant and let theContinue reading “Nectar Powerhouse: Gregg’s Mistflower”
• Acacias, Vachellia, Snegalia, Mariosousa, Acaciella, oh my!
  Once known as Acacia, this genus has morphed into a dizzying number of genus. Part of the pea family, Fabaceae. “The flowers are usually yellow but occasionally white and have many stamens apiece, giving eachContinue reading “Acacias, Vachellia, Snegalia, Mariosousa, Acaciella, oh my!”
• The Making of a Queen
  On a cold November day in 2020, I moved a Queen caterpillar indoors to save it from nighttime freezing temperatures. It was feeding on A. subulata (Desert Milkweed), so I replenished a stock of stemsContinue reading “The Making of a Queen”
• Germinating Desert Milkweed
  In December 2020 I started some Asclepias subulata seeds. They started germinating surprisingly quickly, and within a week seedlings were peaking above the peat pods. I recommend starting the seeds in March so the seedlingsContinue reading “Germinating Desert Milkweed”
• Great Milkweed Grow Out
  The Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden is helping Monarch and Queen butterflies with this initiative, with a focus on propagation, expanding Monarch habitat and finding the best native milkweeds to support Monarch and pollinator populations. MoreContinue reading “Great Milkweed Grow Out”
• The Stages of the Monarch Butterfly
  Monarch Monarch butterflies are one of the most iconic species in North America. It is distinguished by bold black lines that give the top of the wings a stained glass appearance. Two other butterflies areContinue reading “The Stages of the Monarch Butterfly”
• The Stages of the Queen Butterfly
  Queen The Queen butterfly at first glance looks very similar to the Monarch, but the adult Queen has white dots in the margins and the caterpillar has a third set of filaments. Host Plant: MilkweedContinue reading “The Stages of the Queen Butterfly”
• The Importance of Birds
  “You might already know about some of the ecosystem services birds provide, for instance pollinating your favorite fruits. Here are a few of the more surprising ways birds (metaphorically) keep the world turning.” Bird poop is anContinue reading “The Importance of Birds”
• PW Blog
  Welcome to the Pollinator Web blog! This blog focuses on pollinators and the cast of supporters, like host and nectar plants, as well as how to create your own patch of pollinator paradise. As youContinue reading “PW Blog”

The Importance of Birds

“You might already know about some of the ecosystem services birds provide, for instance pollinating your favorite fruits. Here are a few of the more surprising ways birds (metaphorically) keep the world turning.”

• Bird poop is an important fertilizer
• They move beneficial spores around
• They distribute plant seeds
• They’re pest predators
• Their nests create habitat
• They reduce risk of disease

Chuparosa – For the Love of Hummingbirds

“If Arizona’s hummingbirds could vote on a state flower, it would be Chuparosa (Justicia californica).”

Given adequate water, Chuparosa will bloom year round. Also attracts butterflies and is the host plant for the Texan Crescentspot.

Chuparosa blossoms are a fun addition to salads, too, as they taste like cucumbers! 

Pollinator Stepping Stones

“Small patches can serve as stepping stones, allowing for species movement between large patches and are important in fragmented landscapes.”

Climate Change and Corridors

“Corridors may be of limited value for biodiversity if climate change occurs at a rate too fast to allow for migration and may end up just benefiting species that are highly mobile and adaptable, including invasive species.”

Connecting Pollinator Areas

In urban areas, development has fragmented pollinator resources. Homeowners, renters, businesses and governments can all contribute to connecting these resources with patches, corridors and stepping stones.

In December 2020 I started some A. subulata seeds. They started germinating surprisingly quickly, and within a week seedlings were peaking above the peat pods. I recommend starting the seeds in March so the seedlings can go in the ground immediately; they don’t like their roots disturbed.

On a cold November day in 2020, I moved a Queen caterpillar indoors to save it from nighttime freezing temperatures. It was feeding on A. subulata (Desert Milkweed), so I replenished a stock of stems and flowers daily…

The next day the caterpillar became a chrysalis. Nine days later the chrysalis turned dark burgundy, and the following day a Queen was born.

Acacias, Vachellia, Senegalia, Mariosousa, Acaciella, oh my!

Once known as Acacia, this genus has morphed into a dizzying number of genus. Part of the pea family, Fabaceae.

“The flowers are usually yellow but occasionally white and have many stamens apiece, giving each one a fuzzy appearance. The fruits are legumes and are highly variable in appearance, depending on the species. Acacias are often confused with members of the closely related genus Mimosa.”

Host plants for many butterflies, including: Reakirt’s Blue, Marine Blue, Hubbard’s Small Silkmoth, Mexican Yellow, Mimosa Yellow, Tricolor Buckmoth

Nectar Powerhouse: Gregg’s Mistflower

There is a groundcover species Conoclinium greggii, and a shrubby one, Chromolaena odorata; both have an alkaloid in their nectar that Monarchs and Queens use to attract mates. Add a host plant and let the party get started :-).

“If you were given the choice of only choosing one plant with the purpose of attracting butterflies, this would be the one. If there are butterflies in the area, any species of butterfly, they will be fluttering about on this plant, feeding on the nectar of the mistflower.” -Spadefoot Nursery

“The votes are in for 2020’s Unofficial Pollinator Plant of the Year, and the winner is…Gregg’s mistflower.” –Texas Butterfly Ranch

Flower Power: Asteraceae

If your looking to plant a lot of pollinator punch in your yard, this family acts as hosts to a wide variety of butterflies, including:

Cabbage White, Common Buckeye, Common Checkered Skipper, Dainty Sulphur, Fiery Skipper, Painted Lady, Pearl Crescent, Red Admiral, Hackberry Emperor, Tawny Emperor

Commonly referred to as the aster, daisy, composite, or sunflower family, most species of Asteraceae are annual, biennial, or perennial herbaceous plants, but there are also shrubs, vines, and trees.

Lynne’s Legacy Texas Sage

Nectar plant, and host plant for the Calleta Silkmoth and Theona Checkerspot

Black Spine Prickly Pear

Great nectar plant for native bees

Queen butterfly on A. subulata (Desert Milkweed)

Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens

In Phoenix, Asclepias subulata (Desert Milkweed) is especially well adapted

Monarch

December 24, 2021

Host Plant: Milkweed

Nectar Plants: Wide variety

Queen

December 24, 2021

Host Plant: Milkweed

Nectar Plants: Wide variety

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