Support wildlife

Native plants play a critical role in supporting wildlife, from pollinators, birds, and reptiles, to mammals large and small.

Because you care about the life around you

California is a biodiversity hotspot, home to 1,600 native bees, the imperiled monarch butterfly, and other pollinators only found in our state. The best way to attract and support these special creatures is to grow the native plants they’ve relied on for hundreds of millions of years.

Many native insects have specialized relationships with local native plants. They co-evolved with these specific species. These insects become food for birds and other wildlife in your local ecosystem and web of life. By planting locally native plants, you are providing islands of food and habitat for your local insects, pollinators, birds, and wildlife.

Bird buffet

Local bird species play a key role in the ecosystem, controlling insect populations and supporting the web of life.

You will see more birds if you plant native plants that provide shelter and food for their young!

Research shows yards with at least 70 percent native plants can provide enough food and shelter for birds that sustain or increase their populations.

Plants to attract birds

Feed hungry butterflies

Be part of the butterfly metamorphosis by planting the right plants for your local Lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) babies. The birds will thank you, too!

Baby birds feed primarily on caterpillars. Many caterpillars need specific plants to grow and thrive. Some natives host a multitude of different moths and butterflies. Start by planting these "host plants" for butterflies and moths to lay their eggs on! This act makes a big difference for baby birds: more insects mean higher survival rates for most bird species, which feed insects to their young. Butterflies and moths add their own winged beauty, too.

Find plants to fuel fledglings

Bloom for bats

California is home to 25 different bat species. Most of these eat insects that rely on native plants for food. Like birds, bats keep insect populations in balance. Also, native vegetation creates roosting sites, such as tree branches, cavities, and thick leaves where bats can shelter and raise their young.

In Southern California, there’s even a species of nectar bat that loves to visit agave flowers, feeding on their nectar and helping with pollination. You can help your local bats survive and thrive by choosing native plants that support these important creatures.

Find plants for bats

Tips for a thriving wildlife garden

Choose plants with different bloom times

Diverse flowering times provide nectar, pollen, and habitat resources for pollinators across multiple seasons. Aim for three or more plant species that bloom in each blooming period—early spring, mid-to-late spring, summer, and early fall. As a bonus, staggered bloom times transform your garden into a dynamic space that changes and evolves with the seasons.

Explore plants blooming in summer

Plant in sheltered, sunny spots

Butterflies and other pollinators seek sunny, wind-free areas. Being cold-blooded, they rely on the sun’s warmth so they can fly. Plants in full sun produce more nectar, too, increasing food supply.

Search plants for sun

Vary your flower colors

Different colors of flowers attract different types of pollinators. Bees favor flowers in blue colors. Butterflies and moths look for bright colors to locate nectar, such as red, yellow, orange, pink, and purple.

Find blue flowering bee favorites!

Don't be too tidy

Allowing your garden to be a bit untidy can actually benefit wildlife. Start with a small area or in the backyard, and leave seed heads for birds, a layer of leaves for critters to enrich the soil, and some bare soil patches for ground-nesting native bees. Pruning in spring rather than fall provides overwintering shelter for birds and insects.

Learn about seasonal maintenance

Choose locally native plants

Many native insects have specialized relationships with local native plants, meaning they rely on those specific plants for survival. These insects are then the food source for birds and other wildlife that make up our local ecosystem and web of life. By planting native plants, you are providing food and habitat for insects, pollinators, birds, and wildlife.

Learn about the habitat value of gardens

Start a habitat revolution!

Ready to begin? See the California Native Plant Society’s helpful collection of habitat gardening resources.

Habitat revolution

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