Colorado Native Plants
Here are some things to know about bees and butterflies:
By using native plants, you will be restoring habitat and improving ecosystem services in your yard. Many native bees, butterflies and moths need native plants to complete their life cycle. Your native garden is important to pollinators, and for the birds that rely on insects for food!
Ornamental Grasses:
A note about grasses: The Front Range, with a few exceptions, is generally short-grass prairie. Farther east you will find taller grass prairie that often requires a bit more moisture. Keep this in mind when selecting grasses for your area. Many grasses are host plants to Wood Nymph Butterflies and Skipper Butterflies.
Do keep placement of tall grasses in mind. They have low fire resistance and should not be left standing, tall and dry, close to your home during the winter.
Indian Rice Grass, Achnatherum hymenoides, Ht 15-18” S 12-18”, Water Low, Sun
(Provides food for Lesser Goldfinches.) Hardy to 9,500’
Big Bluestem, Andropogon gerardii, Ht. 4-6’ S 2-3’, Water Low, Sun
(Found growing in foothills areas near Fort Collins. Hosts 11 different butterflies and moths including the Common Wood Nymph Butterfly, the Argos Skipper Butterfly, and the Dusted Skipper Butterfly. Looks its best with a little more moisture. Also known as “ice cream for cows”!) Hardy to 9,500’
Blue Grama Grass, Bouteloua gracilis, Ht 1-2' S 1-2', Water Very Low, Sun
(Host plant for Skipper Butterflies including the Pohaska, the Ridings’ Satyr, the Garita Skipperling, and the Green Skipper.. Nectar and seed source. Favorite food for Juncos and Sparrows.) Hardy to 8,500’
This grass has higher fire-resistance than most others.
Tufted Hair Grass, Deschampsia cespitosa, Ht. 2-3’ S 18-24”, Water Medium, Sun
(Hosts several butterflies including the Umber Skipper.)
Sand Love Grass, Eragrostis trichodes, Ht 2-3’, S 2-3’, Water Low, Sun
(Prefers sandy soil. Hosts Spring & Summer Azure Butterflies.) Hardy to 5,500’
Prairie Junegrass, Koeleria macrantha, Ht 1-2' S 9-15”, Water Medium, Sun
(Good food source for grasshoppers, leaf hoppers, and birds.) Hardy to 11,500’
Switch grass, Panicum virgatum, Ht 3-5' S 18-24”, Water Low, Sun
(Excellent cover/ nesting for birds. A prolific self-seeder. Hosts many butterflies including the Hobomok Skipper, Leonard’s Skipper, and the Northern Broken-Dash.) Hardy to 7,000’
Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, Ht, 3-4', S 12-18”, Water Low, Sun
(Larval host for Skipper Butterflies.Winter seed source.) Hardy to 8,000’
Indian Steel Grass, Sorghastrum nutans, Ht 3-5’, S 3-4’, Water Low, Sun
(Host plant for the Pepper and Salt Skipper Butterfly.) Hardy to 7,000’
Prairie Cordgrass, Spartina pectinata, Ht 4-6’, S 2-3’, Water Medium, Sun
(Prefers marshy, wet areas. Can spread aggressively with rhizomes. Host plant to several types of moths.) Hardy to 6,500’
Prairie Dropseed, Sporobolus wrightii, Ht 2-3’ S 2-3’, Water Low, Sun
(Hosts six species of moths and butterflies including the Powesheik Skipperling and the threatened Dakota Skipper.) Hardy to 7,000’
Flowers
A note on “aggressiveness”. Native plants cannot be invasive, because they are native. However, they can be aggressive. This can be a good attribute when you are trying to reclaim an area that has been invaded by non-natives. Do keep this trait in mind if your garden is small though!
Fire resistance ratings are from 1-10, with 10 being the most fire-resistant.
Western Yarrow, Achillea millefolium var. lanulosa or Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis, Ht 1-2' S 2-3', Water Low, Sun
Flower White, Summer
(Rich in nectar. Attracts many bees, beetles and butterflies. Can spread aggressively. Note that Achillea millefolium is not native, so look for “lanulosa” or “occidentalis” varieties.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance 9.5
Double Bubblemint Hyssop, Agastache cana, Ht 2-3' S 18-24”, Water Low, Sun
Flower Dark Pink, Mid-Summer to Fall
(This plant is native more to the Southwest region, but it is a favorite of hummingbirds and great Fall forage for all pollinators.) Hardy to 7,000’
Anise Hyssop, Agastache foeniculum, Ht. 2-4’ S 1’-2’, Water Dry to Medium, Sun or Part Sun, Suited to Plains and Foothills
Flower Pale purple, Summer to Fall
(Very attractive to pollinators. Spreads by rhizomes/ suckering.)
Nodding Onion, Allium cernum, Ht 1-2’, S 6”, Water Dry- Medium, Sun-Part Shade.
Flower Pale Pink/ Purple, Early to Mid Summer
(Attracts Hair Streak Butterfly. Bulbs and greens provide food for herbivores.)
Fire resistance 10
Pearly Everlasting, Anaphalis margaritacea, Ht 1-2' S 8-12”, Water Low, Sun
Flower White, Summer
(Hosts the Painted Lady and American Lady Butterflies! Can be aggressive.) Hardy to 9,500’
Fire resistance: Not rated but reportedly fire-resistant.
Dwarf Pussytoes, Antennaria parvifolia, Ht 1-2” S 8-12”, Water Very Low, Sun
Flower White, Summer
(Hosts the American Lady Butterfly. Can survive low-grade fire.) Hardy to 8,000’
Fire resistance 8
Kinnikinnick(woody groundcover) Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Ht 3-6”, S 2-6’, Low Water, Filtered Shade-Shade,
Flower Soft Pink, Early Spring
(Hosts the Hoary Elfin and the Brown Elfin Butterflies. Grows on gravel or rocky openings and slopes 7-11,500’. Forage for birds, deer, sheep and bear.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance 5
Rocky Mtn. Columbine, Aquilegia coerulea, Ht 18-24” S 12-18”, Water Medium, Shade/ Filt Shade
Flower White/ Blue, Spring
(Attractive to bees, hawk moths and hummingbirds.) Hardy to 12,000’
Fire resistance 8
Fringed Sage, Artemesia frigida, Ht 6-15” S 18-24”, Water Very Low, Sun
(Attractive to native bees. Soft nesting material for birds. Can become aggressive.) Hardy to 10,000’
FIre resistance 5
Milkweed/ Butterfly Weed, Asclepias speciosa, Ht 18-36” S 18-24”, Water Low, Sun
Flower Orange/ Yellow, Mid to Late Summer
(Hosts the Monarch Butterfly! “Mellow Yellow” is a yellow variety discovered in Colorado.) Hardy to 8,000’
Fire resistance 8
Chocolate Flower, Berlandiera lyrata, Ht 1-2' S 12-18”, Water Low, Sun
Flower Yellow, Summer to Fall
(Has a strong chocolate scent! Very drought tolerant. Host plant for 6 different butterfly species. Attractive to native bees, butterflies and songbirds.) Hardy to 6,000’
Prairie Winecups/ Poppy Mallow, Callirhoe involucrata, Ht 6-12” S 2-3', Water Low, Sun
Flower Magenta, Summer to Fall
(Larval host and nectar for Gray Hairstreak Butterfly, the West Coast Lady Butterfly, and the Common Checkered-Skipper.) Hardy to 7,500’
Fire resistance 8
Prairie Lode Sundrops, Calylophus serrulatus 'Prairie Lode', Water Low, Sun/ Filt Shade
Flower Yellow, Spring to Fall
(Attracts bees and butterflies.) Hardy to 9,000’
Native Harebell, Campanula rotundiflora, Ht 6-18” S 12-18”, Water Low, Sun/ Filt Shade
Flower Pale Bluish-Purple, Late Spring to Mid-Summer
(Host plant to Skipper Butterflies and Painted Lady Butterflies.Attractive to native bees and hummingbirds.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance 9.5
Mouse Eared Chickweed, Cerastium strictum, Ht 6-18”, Part shade, Sun, Water Moist-Slightly Dry,
Flower White, Mid to Late Spring
(Short lived perennial.)
Fireweed, Chamerion angustifolium, Ht 3-5' S 2-3', Water Low, Sun
Flower Bright Pink, Mid to Late Summer
(Host plant to the Nessus Sphinx Moth. Can spread aggressively. Tasty to deer!)Hardy to 10,000’
Lance-leaf Coreopsis, Coreopsis lanceolata, Ht 18-24” S 18-24”, Water Low, Sun
Flower Yellow, Early to Mid-Summer
(Host plant to the Buckeye Butterfly and the Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly. Special value to native bees, butterflies and moths.) Hardy to 8,500’
Fire resistance 8
Purple Prairie Clover, Dalea purpurea, Ht 2-3', S 1-2', Water Low, Sun
Flower Pinkish-Purple, Summer
(Nitrogen fixing. Host plant for Dogface Sulphur Butterfly, Striped Blue Butterfly, Mexican Blue Butterfly, and Reakirt's Blue Butterfly. Can spread aggressively.) Hardy to 7,500’
Big Flower Cincquefoil, Drymocallis fissa, low and bushy, water low, sun.
Flower Yellow, Late Spring
(Hosts the Grizzled Skipper and Purplish Copper Butterflies. Attractive to Micromoths.)
Showy/ Spreading Fleabane, Erigeron speciosus, Ht. 18-24” S 18-24”, Water Low, Sun
Flower Pale Purple, Early to Mid-Summer
(Host plant for the Northern Checkerspot Butterfly and the Field Crescent Butterfly. Favorite of native bees and butterflies. Can spread to form a colony.) Hardy to 9,000’
Sulphur Flower, Eriogonum umbellatum, Ht 6-12” S 12-24”, Water Low, Sun
Flower Yellow, Early to Mid-Summer
(Substantial wildlife value! Important seed source for birds and nectar source for bees. Hosts many butterflies including the Mormon Metalmark Butterfly, the Rocky Mountain Dotted-Blue Butterfly, the Blue Copper Butterfly and the Lupine Blue Butterfly.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance 7
Native Blanketflower, Gaillardia aristata, Ht 18-24” S 18-24”, Water Low, Sun
Flower Yellow/ Orange, Mid-Summer
(Host plant to the Bordered Patch Butterfly. Provides food for Lesser Goldfinches.) Hardy to 8,500’
Fire resistance 7
Sticky Geranium, Geranium viscosissimum, Ht 1-3’ S 18-24”, Water Low, Sun-Shade.
Flower Pink, Late Spring-Summer
(Attractive to bees & butterflies. Hosts several moths. Provides seeds for birds. Found growing along Boulder Creek.) Hardy to 9,000’
Fire resistance 8
Prairie Smoke Avens, Geum triflorum, Ht 6-12” S 6-12”, Water Low, Sun/ Filt Shade
Flower Creamy White followed by pink seed plumes, Late Spring
(Nectar source for butterflies. Fluffy seed heads are attractive.) Hardy to 8,000’
Fire resistance 8
Whisk Broom Parsley, Harbouria trachypeura, Ht 18” , Water Low, Sun,
Flower Yellow, Early Summer
(Umbels allow many pollinators.)
Maximillion Sunflower, Helianthus maximilliani, Ht 6-10' S 18-24”, Water Low, Sun
Flower Yellow, Summer
(Sunflowers are Keystone Genus! Host plant to the American Lady Butterfly, the Gorgone Checkerspot Butterfly, the Rockslide Checkerspot Butterfly, the Silvery Patch Butterfly, the Bordered Patch Butterfly, and the Painted Lady Butterfly. Provides food for Lesser Goldfinches and many insects.) Hardy to 6,500’
Scarlet Gilia, Ipomopsis aggregata, Ht 6-24” S 12-18”, Water Low, Sun
Flower Red, Late Spring to Early Fall
(Attracts hummingbirds.) Hardy to 9,000
Rocky Mountain Iris, Iris missouriensis, Ht 1-2’, High Water, Sun to Partial Shade.
Flower Purple, Early Summer
(Attractive to hummingbirds. Resistant to deer. Found in wet meadows and broad streams.)
Winterfat, Krascheninnikovia lanata, Ht 2-3’, S 1-2’, Water Very Low, Sun
(Good nectar source.) Hardy to 8,000’
Native Gayfeather, Liatris punctata, Ht 12-18' S 6-12”, Water Low, Sun
Flower Pinkish-Purple, Summer
(Attracts hummingbirds. Attracts butterflies and hosts the Liatris Flower Moth. Goldfinches eat seeds.) Hardy to 8,500’
FIre resistance 7
Blue Flax, Linum lewisii, Ht 1-2' S 12-18”, Water Low, Sun
Flower Blue, Early Summer
(Forage for birds.)
Fire resistance 7-8
Silvery Lupine, Lupinus argenteus, Ht 1-2' S 1-2', Water Low, Sun
Flower Blue-Purple, Summer
(Host plant for the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly, The Persius Duskywing, the Afranius Duskywing, Queen Alexandra’s Sulphur Butterfly, Hops Azure Butterfly, Arrowhead Blue Butterfly, Silvery Blue Butterfly, Melissa Blue Butterfly, Boisduval’s Blue Butterfly, and the Shasta Blue Butterfly.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance 8
Bigelow's Tansyaster, Machaeranthera bigelovii, Ht 1-2', Water Low, Sun
Flower Violet-Blue, Early Summer to Fall
(Attracts a variety of bees with late summer forage.) Hardy to 10,000’
Desert Four O'clock, Mirabilis multiflora, Ht 1-3' S 2-4' Water Very Low, Sun
Flower Magenta, Mid to Late Summer
(Attracts Hawk Moths and other caterpillars that Orioles like to eat. Foliage can be a skin irritant.) Hardy to 8,000’
Fire resistance 7
Native Lavender Bee Balm, Monarda fistulosa, Ht 2-3' S 18-24”, Water Low, Sun
Flower Lavender, Mid-Summer
(Long blooming. Attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Host plant for the Wood Nymph Butterfly) Hardy to 9,000’
White Evening Primrose, Oenothera caespitosa marginata, Ht 6-12” S 12-18”, Water Very Low, Sun
Flower White, Early to Late Summer
(Attracts the White-Lined Sphinx Moth.) Hardy to 8,500’
Fire resistance 7
Penstemons : There are 62 penstemons that are native to Colorado! Penstemons host the Arachne Checkerspot Butterfly and the Variable Checkerspot Butterfly. Penstemons are a favorite of hummingbirds. Fire resistance 7-8
Scarlet Bugler Penstemon, Penstemon barbatus, Ht 2-3' S 12-18”, Water Low, Sun, Hardy to 8,500’
Flower Scarlet, Mid-Summer
Shell Leaf Penstemon, Penstemon grandiflorus, Ht 2-3' S 8-12”, Water Low, Sun, Hardy to 8,000’
Flower Pale Pink, Summer
Tiger/ Grand Mesa Penstemon mensarum, Ht15-18” S 12-15”, Water Low, Sun, Hardy to 9,500’
Flower Cobalt Blue, Late Spring
Bridge's Penstemon, Penstemon rostriflorus, Ht 1-2' S 8-12”, Water Low, Sun, Hardy to 9,000’
Flower Scarlet, Summer
Side Bells penstemon, Penstemon secundiflorus, Ht 6-24”, Low Water, Full Sun,
Flower Pink, Summer
(Attracts native bees & hummingbirds, found in planes, foothills and montane.)
Rocky Mountain Penstemon strictus, Rocky Mountain Penstemon, Ht 18-24” S 12-18”, Water Very Low, Sun, Hardy to 8,000
Flower Blue, Early to Mid-Summer
Blue Mist Penstemon, Penstemon Virens, Ht 8” S 8-10”, Low Water, Full Sun,
Flower Blue, Summer
(Bee friendly, attracts hummingbirds, birds, deer and rabbit resistant, insect pollinated. The most abundant small-flowered penstemon of the Foothills and Montane. Naturalizes.)
Prairie Yellow Coneflower, Ratibida columnifera, Ht 18-24” S 18-24”, Water Low, Adaptable
Flower Yellow, Early to Late Summer
(Provides food for Lesser Goldfinches.) Hardy to 8,000’
Fire resistance 7
Black-Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta, Ht 18-24” S 18-24”, Water Low, Sun
Flower Yellow, Summer
(Tender perennial. High wildlife value. Cover and forage for song and game birds. Host plant for at least 15 different caterpillars, including the Bordered Patch Butterfly, the Gorgone Checkerspot Butterfly, and the Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly.)
Fire resistance 7
Yellow Stonecrop, Sedum lanceolatum, Ht 4-6”, Water Low, Sun,
Flower Yellow, Summer
(Hosts Rocky Mountain Apollo Butterfly. Thrives in stony ground.)
Fire resistance 10
Stiff Goldenrod, Solidago rigida, Ht. 3-5', Water Low, Sun
Flower Yellow, Summer
(Keystone Genus. Host plant for 79 different moths and butterflies including the Northern Checkerspot. A favorite fall nectar source for migrating Monarch Butterflies!)
Fire resistance 7
Scarlet Globe Mallow, Sphaeralcea coccinea, Ht 1-2' S 8-12”, Water Low, Sun
Flower Red-Orange, Summer to Fall
(Also known as Cowboy’s Delight. Can be aggressive. Used for reclamation of areas with invasive species. Favorite of the Globemallow Bee and the Wingdinger Moth! Host plant for Painted Lady, Gray Hairsteak and Skipper butterflies.) Hardy to 7,500’
Golden Banner, Thermopsis divaricarpa, Ht 18-24” S 12-18”, Water Medium, Sun.
Flower Yellow, Mid-Summer
(Hosts the Clouded Sulphur Butterfly, Queen Alexandra’s Sulphus Butterfly, the Silvery Blue Butterfly, Afranius Duskywing Butterfly, and the Persius Dusywing Butterfly. Attractive to hummingbirds, bees and granivorous birds. Aggressive and also poisonous.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance 8
Desert Zinnia, Zinnia grandiflora, Ht 6-8” S 10”, Water Very Low, Sun
Flower Yellow, Mid to Late Summer
(Attractive to butterflies, moths and bees.) Hardy to 8,000’
Vines:
Western Virgin's Bower, Clematis ligusticifolia, vine, Water Low, Sun
Flower White, Late Spring to Early Summer
(Special value to native bees. Attractive to hummingbirds.) Hardy to 10,000’
Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissis quinquefolia, Vine, Water Low, Sun to Filtered Shade
(Hosts 32 species of caterpillars, including several Sphinx Moths. Berries are good forage for birds and are attractive to Downy Woodpeckers, Chickadees and Robins. Brilliant fall color.) Hardy to 9,000’
Shrubs:
Saskatoon Serviceberry, Amelanchier alnifolia, Ht 6-20', S 6-12', Water Low, Sun to Filt Shade
Flower White, Spring
(Note, do not plant where livestock can reach it. Attractive to bees and butterflies. Hosts Weidemeyer’s Admiral Butterfly. Berries are a favorite with many birds.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance 5-6
Leadplant, Amorpha canescens, Ht 2-4' S 2-4', Water Very Low, Sun
Flower Violet-Purple, Mid to Late Summer
(Nitrogen fixing. Host plant for the Dogface Sulphur Butterfly and the Gray Hairstreak Butterfly. Attracts several other species of moths and butterflies. Can become aggressive in rich soils.) Hardy to 8,000’
Tall Western Sagebrush, Artemisia tridentata, Ht 3-12' S 3-6', Water Very Low, Sun
Flower Pale Yellow, Mid to Late Summer
(Cover for birds and lizards.) Hardy to 10,000’
Reportedly very flammable
Four Wing Saltbush, Atriplex canescens, Ht 3-6' S 2-4', Water Very Low, Sun
Flower Pale Yellow, Late Summer
(Hosts the Western Pygmy Blue Butterfly. Good cover and seeds for birds.) Hardy to 8,000’
Fire resistance 6
Mountain Mahogany, Cercocarpus montanus, Ht 6-8' S 4-6', Water Very Low, Sun/ Filt Shade
Flower Pale Yellow, Mid-Spring
(Hosts the Behr’s Hairstreak Butterfly. Provides cover and seeds for birds.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance: Other mountain mahoganies are rated at 3
Fernbush, Chamaebatiaria millefolium, Ht 3-5' S 3-6', Water Very Low, Sun
Flower White, Mid to Late Spring
(Good cover for birds. Forage for bees. Host plant for the Spring Azure Butterfly.) Hardy to 7,500’
Colorado Dogwood, Cornus sericea coloradense, Ht 6-8', S 8-12', Water Medium, Adaptable
Flower White, Spring to Early Summer
(Hosts the Dainty Sulphur Butterfly. Cover and berries for birds.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance: Not rated but reportedly moderately fire-resistant.
Tall Blue Rabbitbrush, Ericameria nauseosa, Ht 2-6' S 2-6', Water Very Low, Sun
Flower Yellow, Mid to Late Summer
(Supports moths, butterflies and birds. Especially attractive to Painted Lady butterflies. Hosts the Northern Checkerspot Butterfly.) Hardy to 8,500’
Fire resistance possible 2-3
Apache Plume, Fallugia paradoxa, Ht 3-6' S 3-6', Water Very Low, Sun
Flower White, Summer
(Nesting material and cover for wildlife, forage for bees.) Hardy to 8,500’
Waxflower, Jamesia americana, Ht 5-8' S 3-6', Water Low, Filt Shade to Shade
Flower, White, Spring
(Hosts the Echo Azure Butterfly. Nesting sites and food for birds.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance: Not rated but reportedly fire-resistant.
Twinberry Honeysuckle, Lonicera involucrata, Ht 3-5' S 3-6', Watr Medium, Filt Shade to Shade
Flower Creamy Yellow, Late Spring to Early Summer
(Cover, nectar for bees, berries for birds.) Hardy to 11,000’
Fire resistance: Not rated but reportedly fire-resistant.
Littleleaf Mockorange, Philadelphus microphyllus, Ht 4-6' S 4-6', Water Low, Sun
Flower White, Summer
(Special value to native bees.) Hardy to 8,500’
Fire resistance: While a rating for this specific mockorange wasn’t available, most other varieties are rated at 8.
Native Ninebark, Physocarpus monogynus, Ht 3-4' S 3-4', Water Low, Sun
Flower White, Spring
(Seeds for wildlife.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance 5, though tall ninebark is rated at 2
Shrub Potentilla, Potentilla fruticosa, Ht 2-3' S 2-3', Water Low, Sun
Flower Yellow, Spring
(Nectar for bees, butterflies and insects.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance 5
Western Sand Cherry, Prunus besseyi, Ht 4-6' S 4-6', Water Low, Sun
Flower White, Spring
( Native cherry, attractive to bees, birds like berries. Host plant for the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly, the Viceroy Butterfly, the Coral Hairstreak Butterfly, and the Red-Spotted Purple Butterfly. Cherries are a Keystone Species!) Hardy to 9,000’
Fire resistance 6
Creeping Western Sand Cherry, Prunus besseyi Pawnee Buttes, Ht 15-30” S 4-6', Water Low, Sun
Flower White, Spring
(Host plant for the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly, the Viceroy Butterfly, the Coral Hairstreak Butterfly, and the Red-Spotted Purple Butterfly. Attractive to bees, birds like berries. Cherries are a Keystone Species!) Hardy to 9,000’
Fire resistance 6
Three-Leaf Sumac, Rhus trilobata, Ht 3-6' S 3-6', Water Very Low, Sun
Flower Yellow, Spring
(Berries and cover for birds.) Hardy to 9,000’
Fire resistance 7
Creeping Three-Leaf Sumac, Rhus trilobata, 'Autumn Amber', Ht 12-18” S 3-6', Water Very Low, Sun
Flower Yellow, Spring
(Berries and cover for birds.) Hardy to 9,000’
Fire resistance 8
Yellow Flowering Currant, Ribes aureum, Ht 4-6' S 4-6', Water Low, Sun to Filt Shade
Flower Yellow, Late Spring
(Hummingbirds and pollinators like the flowers, and birds eat the berries. Host plant to the Gray Comma Butterfly, the Hoary Comma Butterfly, and the Tailed Copper Butterfly.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance 6
Squaw/ Wax Currant, Ribes cereum, Ht 2-4' S 2-4', Water Low, Sun
Flower Pinkish-White, Spring
(Host plant to over 80 types of moths and butterflies including the Tailed Copper Butterfly and the Hoary Comma Butterfly. Berries are attractive to birds.) Hardy to 11,000’
Fire resistance: Not rated but reportedly fire-resistant.
Woods Rose, Rosa woodsii, Ht 3-6’, S 3-6’, water low, sun.
Flower Pink, Early Summer
(Fruits eaten by native wildlife. Can be hard to manage.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance 5
Boulder Raspberry, Rubus deliciosus, Ht 3-6' S3-6', Water Low, Adaptable
Flower White, Late Spring
(Berries unpalatable to humans but attractive to wildlife.) Hardy to 9,000’
Fire resistance 6
Red Berried Elder, Sambucus racemosa, Ht 6-8' S 6-8', Water Medium, Sun
Flower White, Spring
(Berries attractive to birds.) Hardy to 7,500’
Buffaloberry, Sheperdia argentea, Ht 8-15' S 6-12', Water Very Low, Sun
Flower Yellowish-White, Spring
(Birds love the thorny protection and berries.) Hardy to 8,500’
Fire resistance 6
Western Snowberry, Symphoricarpos occidentalis, Ht. 3-5’ S 3-5’, Water Low, Sun to Filtered Shade
Flower Pale Pink, Summer, Followed by white berries
(Hosts the Variable Checkerspot Butterfly and the Snowberry Clearwing Moth. Attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators. Provides shelter and berries for birds. Suckers to form a colony, so it is a good plant for erosion control.)
Fire resistance 8
Soapweed/ Yucca, Yucca glauca, Ht 2-4' S 2-4', Water Very Low, Sun
Flower White, Mid to Late Summer
(Provides nesting for birds. Has a symbiotic relationship with the very specialized Yucca Moth.) Hardy to 8,500’
Fire resistance 8
Deciduous Trees
Note: Many of these trees are “regionally native”. Trees that are truly native to just this area are few...
Rocky Mountain Maple, Acer glabrum, Ht 20-30' S 20-30', Water Low, Sun
(Good wildlife habitat.)
Fire resistance 6
Bigtooth Maple, Acer grandidentatum, Ht 20-30' S 20-30', Water Low, Sun
(Cover for wildlife.) Hardy to 8,000’
Fire resistance 6
American Plum, Prunus americana, Ht 10-20' S 8-12', Water Low, Sun
(Hosts the Western Tiger Butterfly, the Pale Swallowtail, the Coral Hairstreak, the Striped Hairstreak, and the California Tortoiseshell Butterfly. Thorny. May form thickets. These thickets are attractive to Cedar Waxwings, Grouse, and Mountain Bluebirds.) Hardy to 8,500’
Fire resistance 5
Native Chokecherry, Prunus virginiana melanocarpa, Ht 8-20' S 8-12', Water Low, Sun to Filt Shade
(Berries are popular with many birds! Host plant for several kinds of Swallowtail Butterflies, and Hairstreak Butterflies as well as the Weidemeyer’s Admiral Butterfly. May form thickets unless 'Sucker Punch' hybrid is used. Cherries are a Keystone Species!) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance 5-6
Douglas Hawthorn, Crataegus douglassii, Ht 25-30' S 20-25', Water Low, Sun
(Thorny. May form thickets. Provides fruit and good cover for birds.) Hardy to 9,000’
Fire resistance 7
Western Hackberry, Celtis occidentalis, Ht 50-60' S 40-50', Water Low, Sun
(Hosts the Hackberry Emperor Butterfly, the American Snout Butterfly, and the Mourning Cloak Butterfly. Berries and insects attracted to the tree provide food for birds, especially robins.) Hardy to 7,000’
Fire resistance: Other hackberries are rated at 6
Western Catalpa, Catalpa speciosa, Ht 40-60' S 40-50', Water Low, Sun
(Fast growing, good shade, flowers provide forage for bees and hummingbirds.) Hardy to 6,500’
Fire resistance 5
Narrowleaf Cottonwood, Populus angustifolia, Ht 30-50' S 20-30', Water Medium, Sun
(Hosts the Viceroy Butterfly, the Western Tiger Swallowtail, the Mourning Cloak Butterfly and the Weidemeyer’s Admiral Butterfly. Cottonwoods are part of a Keystone Genus. Trees are fast growing and require a large site! Attractive to Yellow Warblers.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance: Not rated but reportedly fire-resistant.
Plains Cottonwood, Populus deltoides ssp monilifera, Ht 60-80' S 50-60', Water Medium, Sun
(Hosts the Viceroy Butterfly, the Western Tiger Swallowtail, the Mourning Cloak Butterfly and the Weidemeyer’s Admiral Butterfly. Cottonwoods are part of a Keystone Genus. Trees are fast growing and require a large site! Nesting site for owls and orioles.) Hardy to 6,500’
Quaking Aspen, Populus tremuloides, Ht 20-30' S 20-30', Water Medium, Sun
(Note: Aspens are native at higher elevations. In locations where they cannot spread and form a colony, they may be short-lived. Hosts the Mourning Cloak Butterfly, the Western Tiger Butterfly, the California Tortoiseshell, the Dreamy Duskywing, and the Weidemeyer’s Admiral Butterfly. Attractive to Yellow Warblers, Woodpeckers and Swallows.) Hardy to 10,000’
Fire resistance 9
Gambel Oak, Quercus gambelii, Ht 8-20', S 6-12', Water Very Low, Sun to Filt Shade
(Can sucker and form thickets. 'Gila Monster' selection doesn't sucker. Gambel Oak hosts 530 different moths and butterflies! Host plant to the Colorado state butterfly, the Colorado Hairstreak the Banded Hairstreak, and the Rocky Mountain Duskywing.. It also provides food for birds like Scrub Jays and Nuthatches. Oaks are a Keystone Genus!) Hardy to 9,000’
Fire resistance 6
Bur Oak, Quercus macrocarpa, Ht 50'-80' S 50'-80', Water Low, Sun
(Oaks are a Keystone Genus!) Hardy to 6,500’
Fire resistance 4
Chinkapin Oak, Quercus muelenbergii, Ht 35'-50' S 35'-50', Water Medium, Sun
(Oaks are a Keystone Genus!) Hardy to 6,500’
Peach Leaf Willow, Salix amygdaloides, Ht 30-40' S 25-30', Water Medium, Sun
(Hosts the Weidemeyer’s Admiral Butterfly, the Western Tiger Butterfly, the Arctic Fritillary, the Green Comma, and the California Tortoiseshell. Grows along moist stream banks. Willows are a Keystone Genus!)
Fire resistance 5-6
Evergreens:
Most evergreens are NOT fire resistant at all. Use carefully away from home.
White Fir, Abies concolor, Ht 40-60' S 20-30', Water Medium, Sun, Hardy to 10,000’
Common Juniper, Juniperus communis, Ht 18-24” S 6-8', Water Low, Filt Shade to Shade, Hardy to 7,500’
(Hosts the Juniper Hairstreak Butterfly.)
One Seed Juniper, Juniperus monosperma, Ht 10-30' S 6-12', Water Very Low, Sun, Hardy to 8,500’
(Hosts the Juniper Hairstreak Butterfly.)
Rocky Mountain Juniper, Juniperus scopulorum, Ht 20-30' S 8-12', Water Very Low, Sun
((Hosts the Juniper Hairstreak Butterfly. Junipers provide shelter and berries for many birds.) Hardy to 10,000’
Colorado Spruce, Picea pungens, Ht 40-60' S 20-30', Water Medium, Sun to Filt Shade, Hardy to 10,000’
Bristlecone Pine, Pinus aristata, Ht 20-40' S 10-20', Water Low, Sun to Filt Shade, Hardy to 11,000’
Lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta latifolia, Ht 50-70’ S 10-15’, Water Low, Sun- Filtered Shade
(Hosts the Pine White Butterfly and the Western Pine Elfin Butterfly.)
Pinon Pine, Pinus edulis, Ht 20-30' S 10-20', Water Very Low, Sun to Filt Shade
(Attractive to Scrub Jays and Chickadees. May take up to 35 years to produce pine nuts.) Hardy to 7,500’
Limber Pine, Pinus flexilis, Ht 30-50’ S 20-30’, Water Low, Sun, Hardy to 9,500’
(Hosts the Western Pine Elfin Butterfly.)
Ponderosa Pine, Pinus ponderosa, Ht 60-80' S 30-40', Water Low, Sun, Hardy to 9,000’
(Hosts the Pine White Butterfly and the Western Pine Elfin Butterfly.)
Douglas Fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Ht 50-80' S 15-25', Water Medium, Sun to Filt Shade, Hardy to 10,000’
(Hosts the Pine White Butterfly.)
(Note: Pinon Pine grows well at lower elevations. Many of the other evergreens are native to the mountains and may require more care & water. Also be aware that Pinons and Junipers are so efficient at extracting moisture from the soil, that little else will be able to grow in close proximity to them!)
Availability may vary depending on where you purchase plants. Here are some nurseries you can try, but be aware that native plants have been a hot item lately and they sell out fast!
Harlequin's Gardens in Boulder has many natives and they do not use neonicotiniodes on their plants.
High-Country Gardens (out of NM) are pioneers in sustainable gardening. You will need to order from their catalog. They have a lot of good ideas on their website.
The Flower Bin in Longmont carries some native perennials. You will have to ask, and they do have good customer service. Flower Bin also does not use neonicotinoides.
The GreenSpot in Longmont carries native perennials and shrubs. You will need to know what you want and look in the fields on your own.
The Tree Farm also carries a wide variety of plants and will have some natives in stock. They do provide customer service.
Echter’s Garden Center in Arvada reportedly sells natives, but they sell out quickly.
If you are working with a landscape installer, Little Valley Wholesale Nursery carries many of these plants. They are wholesale only though.
A Native Plant Master Program is offered via Colorado State and the Extension Office to learn about and work with natives in the field. www.conativeplantmaster.org
This plant list was created by:
eco-designsforlife.com