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New Mexico Forestry Division Conservation Seedling Program

Seedling List

Seedlings offered by the New Mexico Forestry Division

For more information, or to order the seedling, click on the seedling's name.

SPECIES HEIGHT GROWTH RATE COLD HARDINESS WATER NEEDS ALKALINITY TOLERANCE ELEVATION
*SHRUB PACKAGE 3 varied Moderate-Fast Good-Excellent Low Low 3000- 7500
Atriplex canescens, Krascheninnikovia lanata, etc. Package includes 14 winterfat, 14 four-wing saltbrush, 14 Chamisa, and 7 Mormon tea (Green ephedra). For individual species characteristics see individual seedling descriptions. Pest Problems: none serious Suggested Uses: erosion control, wildlife plantings, reclamation
Sizes: Small
AFGHANISTAN PINE 60 feet Fast Poor Moderate Moderate 3000- 5500
Pinus eldarica A medium-sized tree native to southwest Asia. It forms a dense conical crown. An extensive root system gives this tree the ability to withstand drought. Plantings are best in southern New Mexico due to it not being cold hardy enough for the northern half of the state. Hardiness zone 7-10 below 5500 feet in elevation. It has a crown width of between 30 and 40 feet. The optimum soil pH is 7.0 to 8.5. Pest Problems: Nantucket pine tip moth, Ips bark beetle, and spider mites. Suggested Uses: windbreaks and Christmas trees.
Sizes: Small
APACHE PLUME 4 - 6 feet Fast Good-Excellent Low Moderate-High 5000- 8000
Fallugia paradoxa This native shrub occurs along the sides of dry washes and hillsides. The rose-like white flowers are showy in the early summer with feathery clusters of plume-like fruit in the fall and winter. Provides nesting sites and material for birds. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 7.0 to 8.0. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 3 through 10 below 8000 feet in elevation. The width is between 4 and 6 feet. Pest Problems: none serious. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Small
APRICOT 15- 20 feet Fast Excellent Moderate Moderate 2800- 7000
Prunus armeniaca Small fast-growing tree. Rounded, spreading form. It is winter-hardy and moderately drought tolerant. Hardiness zones are 5 through 8. Foliage is golden orange in the fall. It has pink blooms March to April. It is self-pollinating, but is more likely to produce fruit with two or more plants. Is cold hardy to USDA hardiness zone 3 and can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8 below 7000 feet in elevation. Fruit is golf-ball size. Crown width is 12 to 18 feet, bark is reddish-brown and the root system is medium in depth and spread. Requires full sun, prefers loam soils and soils pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Pest Problems: No major pest problems. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, nesting sites
Sizes:
ARIZONA ASH 25-50 feet Moderate Fair Moderate Moderate 3000- 7000
Fraxinus velutina This native tree, also called Velvet Ash, is widely distributed through canyon bottoms in SW New Mexico. It is well adapted to the desert areas of NM and has moderate wildlife value for birds. Has no calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 7 through 10. The crown width averages 25 feet. It grows in soils that range from 5.8 to 7.5 pH. Pest Problems: no serious pests. Suggested Uses: riparian reclamation, windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Small
ARIZONA CYPRESS 40-60 feet Fast Fair Low Moderate-High 3000- 8000
Cupressus arizonica This native evergreen tree has a conical crown. It survives well in shallow, alkaline soils. It is a low maintenance tree once established. Its shape when young has suggested to some to be used for Christmas trees. It is an excellent choice for windbreak plantings. Has high calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 6.1 to 7.9. It is shade tolerant. Hardiness zones are 6 through 9. Crown width averages 20 feet. Pest Problems: western cedar borer, cypress bark beetle, and spider mites. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, energy conservation plantings, and Christmas trees.
Sizes: Small
ARIZONA ROSEWOOD 10-18 feet Slow-Moderate Fair Low High 3000- 5000
Vauquelinia californica A native to SW New Mexico this rare evergreen species has an upright rigid shape and is found on dry, rocky hillsides and canyons. It produces clusters of white flowers in June. It is shade intolerant and cold hardy to 15 degree Fahrenheit and very heat tolerant so it is suited for the southern part of New Mexico. Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. Hardiness zones 8 through 10. It has a width of 10 to 15 feet. The optimum soil pH is 6.1 to 9.0. Pest Problems: None serious. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, erosion control and wildlife.
Sizes: Small
ASPEN 60-80 feet Fast Excellent Moderate-High High 6500- 10000
Populus tremuloides A native tree widely distributed above 7500 feet as a pioneer species after fire or other disturbances. Its bright fall colors light up the mountains where it is plentiful. Elk and deer browse the foliage when within reach. Fall colors are from bright yellow to gold and sometimes orange/red. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 4.3 to 9.0. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 2 through 8 above 6500 feet in elevation. The average crown width is 20 to 30 feet. Pest Problems: poplar borer, leaf miner, cytospora cankers, and tent caterpillar. Suggested Uses: wildlife plantings, reforestation, and reclamation above 6500 feet.
Sizes: Small
AUSTRIAN PINE up to 60 feet Moderate-Fast Good Moderate Moderate 3500- 7500
Pinus nigra This fast growing pine is native to Europe, but has proved to establish and grow well in the Southwest. It tolerates a variety of soils. It is an excellent choice for a windbreak planting. Many types of birds find cover in its branches and some use the seed for food. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and high salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 5.5 to 7.5. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 4 through 8 below 7500 feet in elevation. The average width at maturity is 25 feet. Pest Problems: Ips bark beetle, twig beetles, and pine tip moth. Suggested Uses: wildlife plantings, windbreaks, and sound screens.
Sizes: Small
BLACK WILLOW up to 100 feet Fast Good-Excellent High Moderate 1500- 6000
Salix nigra Black willow resembles Goodding's Black willow and the two species are sometimes considered to be varieties of the same species. It occurs along streambanks and in floodplain areas. It has massive trunks that usually lean and are often divided. The crown is broad and open. Birds eat the buds and flowering catkins and deer eat the twigs and leaves. It is also commonly used as nesting habitat by small bird species. It has low calcium carbonate tolerance and medium salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 4.8 to 8.0. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 4a through 9a below 6000 feet in elevation. Pest Problems: None serious. Suggested Uses: erosion control of streambanks, wildlife plantings
Sizes: Small
BLUESTEM WILLOW up to 12 feet Fast Excellent High Low-Moderate 5200- 8500
Salix irrorata This native shrub is widespread over New Mexico and occurs in thickets along rivers, creeks, and intermittent streams. It has twigs that are a striking purplish-blue color and white flowers. It has no salinity tolerance. Hardiness zones are 2 through 8 above 5200 feet. Optimum soil pH is 5.5 to 7.5. The width averages 15 feet. Pest Problems: None serious. Suggested Uses: Riparian restoration, streambank stabilization and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Small
BRISTLECONE PINE up to 40 feet Slow Excellent Low Moderate 7500- 11500
Pinus aristata This native pine grows in high elevation windy places and can live to be thousands of years old. Although it grows at high elevations it has been successfully planted at elevations as low as 6000 feet. Hardiness zones are 2 through 7b as long as elevation is at least 6000 feet. Its branches are covered with dense needles and resemble a foxtail. The pine seeds are a source of food for birds and small mammals. It has medium calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.7 to 7.5. It is shade intolerant. The average width is 15 feet. Pest Problems: white pine blister rust. Suggested Uses: Reforestation, reclamation and windbreaks.
Sizes: Small
BUFFALOBERRY 12 feet Slow-Moderate Good-Excellent Low-Moderate High 4500- 7000
Shepherdia argentea This native species is found along the banks of streams or on eroded dry hillsides in northwestern New Mexico. The plant is highly important for mule deer browse and cover for nesting birds. It is a good late winter source of food for birds. The tart red fruit of this plant is used for jellies and jams. Buffaloberry needs both male and female plants to produce fruit. It has high calcium carbonate and salinity tolerance. It has intermediate shade tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 5.3-8.0. Hardiness zones 3 through 6 below 7000 feet. The width is 10 to 12 feet. Pest Problems: none serious. Suggested Uses: wildlife plantings, jellies and jams, windbreaks, and erosion control.
Sizes: Small
BUR OAK 70–80 feet Slow-Moderate Excellent Moderate Moderate 0- 7500
Quercus macrocarpa This majestic oak tree is very adaptable to various soils and tolerates alkaline soils as well. It produces a large burry acorn which is edible. The fruit matures in one year. It is drought tolerant and cold hardy; Has medium calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. It has intermediate shade tolerance. The average crown width is 40 feet. Optimum soil pH is 4.5 to 7.5. Hardiness zones are 4 through 8 at elevations under 7500 feet. Pest Problems: minor problems. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, wildlife plantings, and energy conservation plantings.
Sizes:
CHOKECHERRY 6-20 feet Moderate-Fast Excellent Moderate-High Low 5500- 9500
Prunus virginiana A native shrub or small tree that forms dense barriers. It prefers deep and sandy loam soils. It is an important species for wildlife as bear, deer, and other animals use it for food. It is a species that minimizes stream bank erosion. Its fruit is widely used in jellies and jams. Chokecherry is self-pollinating. It has medium calcium carbonate and salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.2 to 8.4. It has intermediate shade tolerance. Hardiness zones are 2 through 7 at elevations between 5500 and 9500 feet. The crown width is between 10 and 20 feet. Pest Problems: borers, pear slugs, and tent caterpillar. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, riparian restoration, and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Small
COYOTE WILLOW 10 feet Fast Good High High 3500- 7500
Salix exigua This is one of the most common and widespread willows in New Mexico. It commonly forms thickets along streams, roadside ditches and is an important species to riparian areas. It is adapted to sandy soils in stream, river, and shoreline sites. It is heavily browsed by deer year-round. Cattle will browse it in the summer and early fall. It has low saline tolerance, intermediate shade intolerance and prefers a pH between 6 and 8.5. Hardiness zones are 4 through 9. Pest Problems: No major pests. Suggested Uses: Riparian restoration, erosion control in riparian sites and wildlife habitat
Sizes: Small
DESERT WILLOW 25 feet Fast Fair-Good Low High 3000- 6000
Chilopsis linearis A native shrub or small tree found in washes and along roadsides. This species is tolerant of poor soils and considerable drought. This deciduous plant is classified as a phreatophyte, and is an indicator that water is not too far below the surface during part of the year. The wood is often used for fence posts. It has medium calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 6.6 to 10.0. Hardiness zones are 7 through 11 at elevations below 6000 feet. It has intermediate shade tolerance. The crown width averages 20 feet. Pest Problems: no major pests. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, erosion control, screens, and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Small
DOUGLAS-FIR 80+ feet Moderate Excellent High Moderate 4500- 10000
Pseudotsuga menziesii A large, native tree with a dense, conical crown. The wood is one of the strongest of the soft woods. It has significant value to the wood products industry and is used extensively as a Christmas tree. This species can live for hundreds of years. It has moderate calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.0 to 7.5. It has intermediate shade tolerance. Hardiness zones are 4 through 6 above 4500 feet in elevation. The width is between 20 and 30 feet. Pest Problems: Douglas-fir tussock moth, spruce budworm, and wooly aphids. Suggested Uses: reforestation (important timber species in western US), wildlife plantings, and Christmas trees.
Sizes: Small
FALSE INDIGO BUSH 6-10 feet Moderate Good-Excellent Moderate Moderate 3000- 7000
Amorpha fruticosa False indigo bush is a native shrub that grows in dense stands along streambanks, irrigation ditches, irrigated pastures, and the edges of woodlands. It has purple spire-like flowers that bloom from May to July. The nectar from the flowers attracts birds and butterflies. The leaves are pinnately compound with 11 to 15 leaflets per stem. The average width of the plant is 5 feet. It has medium calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.0 to 8.5. Hardiness zones are 4 to 9 below 7000 feet in elevation. It is shade intolerant. Pest Problems: insect gall. Suggested Uses: erosion control and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Small
FERNBUSH 6-8 feet Moderate Good Low Moderate 3000- 7000
Chamaebatiaria millefolium This shrub has fragrant fern-like leaves. It produces an array of white flowers in the spring. The plant remains an evergreen in warm climates and becomes deciduous in colder climates. It is also very drought tolerant once established. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 7.0 to 8.0. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 4 through 9 at lower than 7000 feet in elevation. The width is 5 feet. Pest Problems: no major pests. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, wildlife plantings, and erosion control.
Sizes: Small
FIRECRACKER PENSTEMON up to 3 feet Slow Excellent Low Moderate 3000- 11000
Penstemon eatonii Native plant that has bright red flowers that bloom May through August, is adaptable to various soil types. It provides forage for deer, antelope and birds. It has intermediate shade tolerance, has high calcium carbonate tolerance, and no salinity tolerance. Hardiness zones are 4 through 9. It is a pollinator for native bees. Pest Problems: none serious Suggested Uses: erosion control, reclamation, wildlife forage
Sizes: Small
FOUR-WING SALTBUSH 4-6 feet Fast Good Low High 3000- 8000
Atriplex canescens This native shrub grows across a wide variety of soils including saline soils and is highly prized plant by the Navajos as forage for their cattle, sheep, and goats; especially in early spring when other forage is scarce. It is also an excellent wildlife species. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and high salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 6.5 to 9.5. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 4 through 9 up to 8000 feet in elevation. The width is between 4 and 8 feet. Pest Problems: no major pests. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, wildlife plantings, erosion control, and reclamation of severely disturbed sites.
Sizes: Small
FRINGED SAGE 2 feet Fast Excellent Low Moderate 5500- 8000
Artemisia frigida Is native to most counties in New Mexico. It is drought tolerant and browsed by elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn. It is also important to small game and nongame animals. It is also as a food plant for butterfly and moth species. It has medium saline tolerance, intermediate shade tolerance, and prefers a pH of 7.0 to 9.0. Hardiness zones are 3 through 10 at elevations between 5500 and 8000 feet. Pest Problems: none known Suggested Uses: soil stabilization and wildlife habitat
Sizes: Small
GOLDEN CURRANT 4-6 Feet Fast Good Low Low 3000- 9000
Ribes aureum A native to New Mexico in the spring the golden currant richly deserves its name - golden yellow clusters of long, trumpet-shaped, spicy fragrant flowers, adorn the shrub in abundance. The edible fruit is made into jellies and jams, and delicious pies. Golden currant is self-pollinating. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 6.0 to 8.0. Hardiness zones are 5 through 8 at elevations between 3000 and 9000 feet. Its shade tolerance is intermediate. The width is between 3 and 6 feet. Pest Problems: leaf rust fungus,alternate host of White Pine blister rust. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, revegetation, erosion control (in it’s native range), and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Small
HACKBERRY 40-60 Feet Slow-Moderate Good Low-Moderate Moderate 4500- 7000
Celtis occidentalis A hardy, drought tolerant tree adapted to the hot, dry climate of New Mexico and thought to be native to northeastern New Mexico. This spreading tree produces fruit that is popular with birds. It also produces sweet nectar that attracts many species of butterflies. This tree can be used in windbreaks and wildlife plantings. It has medium calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 6.0 to 7.8. It is shade tolerant. The crown width is 40 feet. Pest Problems: leaf gall psylids and nipple gall. Suggested Uses: windbreaks and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Small
HONEY LOCUST 30 - 50 feet Fast Good Low Moderate 0- 0
Gleditsia triacanthos Honey locust is widely cultivated as an ornamental and shade tree. This tree is tolerant of drought, low temperatures and alkaline soils. It is used in windbreaks and erosion control. Pest Problems: Mimosa web worm. Suggested Uses: windbreaks and erosion control.
Sizes:
HOPTREE up to 25 feet Slow-Moderate Excellent Low-Moderate Moderate 4000- 9000
Ptelea trifoliata This native tree also known as wafer ash reaches up to 25 feet with a crown spread of 10 to 15 feet. The leaves are trifoliate and are four to six inches in length and turn yellow in the fall. Their flowers are inconspicuous greenish-white and have an orange blossom-like perfume. Its fruit attracts bird, squirrels and other mammals. Grows on dry, rocky slopes to valley bottoms. It has medium salinity tolerance, medium calcium carbonate tolerance, and intermediate shade tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 4.8 to 7.0. Hardiness zone is 4 through 9. Pest Problems: none serious Suggested Uses: wildlife habitat, windbreaks
Sizes: Small
LACEBARK ELM 50 feet Fast Good-Excellent Low-Moderate Moderate 4500- 8000
Ulmus parvifolia Lacebark Elm, or true Chinese Elm, should not be confused for the notoriously spreading Siberian Elm. Siberian Elm is often and mistakenly called Chinese Elm. Lacebark Elm is a medium sized tree with a round to oval crown. It is a gentleman as it doesn't spread like the Siberian Elm. It is an excellent drought tolerant species for use in windbreaks. It can grow as much as 3 feet per year. It is adaptable to most soil conditions. It has low calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 4.8 to 7.0. Hardiness zones are 5 through 9 at elevations between 4500 and 8000 feet. It is shade intolerant. The crown width is between 30 and 40 feet. Pest Problems: none serious. Resistant to elm leaf beetle and Dutch elm disease. Suggested Uses: windbreaks and firewood.
Sizes: Small
LIMBER PINE up to 60 feet Slow Excellent Low Low 7500- 12000
Pinus flexilis This native 5-needled pine is very long-lived. It is pyramidal in shape during youth, becoming more flat-topped at maturity. The crown width is between 15 and 30 feet. The pine seeds are an excellent source of food for birds and small mammals. It has medium calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.7 to 6.5. It has intermediate shade tolerance. Hardiness zones are 4 through 7. Pest Problems: bark beetle, twig beetle, dwarf mistletoe and White Pine blister rust. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, Christmas trees, and reforestation.
Sizes: Small
MORMON TEA (GREEN EPHEDRA) up to 5 feet Moderate Excellent Low Moderate 3000- 7500
Ephedra viridis This native evergreen shrub is important browse for big game. Its seeds and stem parts are used as food by many small animals and birds. It is used to restore disturbed land due to its ability to reduce erosion on both clay and sandy soils. Plants are drought tolerant and cold hardy. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance, high salinity tolerance and has intermediate shade tolerance. Hardiness zones are 6 through 9. at elevations below 7500 feet. The width is between 2 and 4 feet. Pest Problems: None serious. Suggested Uses: Wildlife habitat and erosion control.
Sizes: Small
MOUNTAIN MAHOGANY 15 feet Moderate Good-Excellent Moderate Moderate 4500- 8000
Cercocarpus montanus Mountain Mahogany is beautiful in late summer and fall, when the white tails of the fruit look like a threaded needle or a narrow delicate feather. It is a native shrub found on the limestone soils of the rolling plains and northern Trans-Pecos on rocky uplands. The leaves and twigs are browsed by elk and deer. It is an excellent species for reclamation of disturbed areas. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 6.0 to 8.0. It has intermediate shade tolerance. Hardiness zones are 5 through 10 between 4500 and 8000 feet. The width is between 8 and 15 feet. Pest Problems: no serious pest problems. Suggested Uses: wildlife habitat, and erosion control.
Sizes: Small
NARROWLEAF COTTONWOOD up to 70 feet Fast Good-Excellent Moderate-High Moderate 5000- 10000
Populus angustifolia This is a native tree with willow-like leaves, common along streams in the mountains of New Mexico. It represents the principal mountain Cottonwood species. It provides cover for wildlife and is a good browse species. It has high tolerance for calcium carbonate and low tolerance for salinity. The optimum soil pH is 6.0 to 7.5. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 3 to 8 above 5000 feet. The crown width is between 30 and 40 feet. Pest Problems: Leaf rust, fall webworm, poplar borers Suggested Uses: Windbreaks, Wildlife plantings, erosion control and riparian restoration
Sizes: Small
NATIVE PLUM 6-8 feet Moderate Excellent Moderate Low 4500- 8000
Prunus americana This is a small native tree adapted to a wide range of soils and requires supplemental watering on dry sites until established. It produces very fragrant clusters of showy white flowers in the spring and produces a sweet edible fruit. The leaves turn an orange-red in the fall. It needs cross-pollination to produce a good fruit crop. It is cold hardy and drought tolerant once established. It is an excellent choice for wildlife plantings. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 5.0 to 7.0. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 3 through 8 at elevations between 4500 and 8000 feet. The crown width is between 10 and 15 feet. Pest Problems: pear slug, aphids, and powdery mildew. Suggested Uses: windbreaks and wildlife plantings.
Sizes:
PALMER'S PENSTEMON up to 5 feet Moderate Excellent Low Low 2600- 8200
Pestemon palmeri Native to New Mexico. It is a perennial herb to slightly wood subshrub. Has fleshy leaves and has white to pink flowers that are fragrant. It is found in dry washes, grasslands, pinon-juniper and ponderosa pine communities. It is very drought and heat tolerant. It is shade intolerant, pH tolerance is 6.0 to 7.9, saline intolerant and prefers precipitation between 6 and 14 inches per year. Hardiness zones are 4 through 9 at elevations below 8200 feet. Adapted to coarse and medium textured, well-drained soils. Pest Problems: Suggested Uses: wildlife plantings and erosion control
Sizes: Small
PEACHLEAF WILLOW 30 feet + Fast Good-Excellent High Moderate 4500- 7400
Salix amygdaloides This native tree is found along rivers and streams in rich alluvial soils. It is readily identified by its gleaming leaves and pendulous branchlets, which gives it a weeping appearance. It is an excellent species for streambank stabilization. It has medium calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 6.0 to 8.0. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 2 through 8 at elevations between 4500 and 7400 feet. The width is up to 40 feet. Pest Problems: None serious Suggested Uses: Riparian restoration, streambank stabilization and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Small
PECAN 70 to 100 feet Moderate Good High Moderate-High 0- 5000
Carya illnoinensis Ungrafted, oval crowned deciduous tree, has a spread of 40 to 75 feet. Fruit is an oblong nut. The nuts be used by deer, wild turkeys, various bird species, and various small mammals. It is also used by butterflies. It grows in moist, well-drained soils such as sandy, sandy loam, medium load, clay loam, clay and caliche. These seedlings are not cultivars, so nut quality varies. If you are a commercial grower you will need to find cultivars. Is shade intolerant, has low calcium carbonate tolerance, and has a preferred pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. Is salt intolerant. Grow well in the southern half of New Mexico if soil is kept moist. USDA hardiness zones are 6 to 9, but probably won't produce nuts in the colder zones since it requires consistent warm night temperatures to produce nuts. Pest Problems: none major - aphids, borers, tent caterpillars, webworms Suggested Uses: wildlife habitat, furniture wood
Sizes: Small
PIÑON up to 40 feet Slow Good-Excellent Low Moderate-High 3500- 8500
Pinus edulis The New Mexico state tree is an aromatic pine which grows across a wide variety of soils and does well under cultivation. It is popular for the edible nuts it produces. Under most conditions it is self-pollinating. It has high value for upland game and song birds. It is very drought tolerant, but slow growing. Has low calcium carbonate tolerance and medium salinity tolerance. Hardiness zones are 6 through 8. Optimum soil pH is 6.5 to 8.5. The crown width is between 20 and 30 feet. Pest Problems: Ips bark beetle, piñon needle scale, needle miner, twig beetle, and pitch moth. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, reforestation, and Christmas trees.
Sizes: Small
PLAINS COTTONWOOD up to 85 feet Fast Excellent High Low-Moderate 3500- 9000
Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera This cottonwood is native to the eastern plains of New Mexico and is found in moist areas and near stream banks. It is also highly drought tolerant. It is appropriate for planting east of the Pecos River. Rio Grande Cottonwood should be planted west of the Pecos River. The crown spread is 50-60 feet and the leaves are wide and triangular in shape, 3-6 inches long. They turn golden yellow in the fall. It has medium tolerance for calcium carbonate and no salinity tolerance. Hardiness zones are 3 through 9 at elevations below 9000 feet. The optimum soil pH is 5.0 to 7.0. It is shade intolerant. The crown width is between 30 and 40 feet. Pest Problems: None serious. Suggested Uses: riparian restoration, stream bank stabilization, and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Small
PONDEROSA PINE up to 80 feet Moderate Excellent Moderate Moderate-High 4500- 9000
Pinus ponderosa This is a large, native conifer. It is the primary commercial tree species in New Mexico. It has a pyramidal shape when young and becomes conical with age. Squirrels clip the cones and store them in caches and extract the seeds for winter consumption. The tree grows best on well-drained soils. It has low calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.0 to 9.0. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 3 through 9 at elevations above 4500 feet. The crown width is between 25 and 30 feet. Pest Problems: bark beetle, twig beetle, sawflies and dwarf mistletoe. Suggested Uses: windbreaks and reforestation.
Sizes: Small
RIO GRANDE COTTONWOOD 60+ feet Fast Good High Low-Moderate 2500- 7500
Populus deltoides ssp. Wislizeni One of New Mexico's most beloved trees, this cottonwood grows chiefly along the lower valleys and along slower waters. It is an excellent species for stabilizing streams. Birds also use it for nesting purposes. Beavers use it for dams. The leaves turn a golden yellow just before the leaves fall. It has medium calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.0 to 7.0. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 3 through 9 at elevations below 7500. The average crown width is 40 feet. Pest Problems: no major pests. Suggested Uses: riparian restoration, stream bank stabilization, and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Small
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PENSTEMON up to 3 feet Moderate Excellent Low Low 6000- 11000
Penstemon strictus Is a native perennial herb with deep blue to purple flowers. It is used for erosion control and forage for deer, antelope and birds. It is shade intolerant, prefers well-drained soils, and blooms May through July. The preferred pH is 6.0-8.0. It has low calcium carbonate tolerance, no salinity tolerance, and has moderate drought tolerance. Hardiness zones are 4 through 9 at elevations 6000 feet and above. Pest Problems: None noted. Suggested Uses: erosion control, wildlife forage
Sizes: Small
RUBBER RABBITBRUSH (CHAM 4-6 feet Fast Good-Excellent Low Low 3000- 7500
Chrysothamnus nauseosus This is a native shrub which grows well on disturbed sites and in alkaline soils. In the fall Chamisa becomes very conspicuous. Its yellow flower clusters brighten up the roadside and other disturbed areas. The foliage and seeds are eaten by browsing animals and rabbits. It has medium calcium carbonate and salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.6 to 8.6. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 3 through 10 at elevations lower than 7500 feet. The width is between 2 and 4 feet. Pest Problems: Leaf beetle, no other major pests. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, erosion control and reclamation.
Sizes: Small
SAND CHERRY 4 feet Fast Good-Excellent Low Moderate 3000- 8000
Prunus besseyi Sand Cherry is a small fast growing shrub readily used by song birds. It produces clusters of white flowers in the spring followed by sweet black cherries nearly 3/4" in diameter. Sand cherry requires cross-pollination to produce fruit. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.3 to 7.5. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 3 through 8 at elevations between 3000 and 8000 feet. The width is between 3 and 6 feet. Pest Problems: aphids. Suggested Uses: wildlife plantings and erosion control.
Sizes: Small
SKUNKBUSH SUMAC 4-6 feet Moderate Excellent Low Moderate-High 4500- 8000
Rhus trilobata Skunkbush sumac is a deciduous, multi-branched and spreading shrub. It occurs along stream banks and forest openings but is most common and abundant on dry, rocky slopes throughout Arizona and New Mexico at elevations from 3500 to 8000 feet. This shrub is very winter hardy and tolerant of drought and high alkali soils. The fruits are red-orange and the flowers are yellowish and conspicuously in clusters. Besides having brilliant orange-red fall colors it is an important fall and winter food for songbirds and emergency food for game birds. This species is also an important browse species for mule deer. Clusters of small yellow flowers bloom in late May and produce a small red edible fruit. It has low calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 6.5 to 8.2. It has intermediate shade tolerance. Hardiness zones are 4 through 8 at elevations between 4500 and 8000 feet. The width is between 6 and 8 feet. Pest Problems: no serious pests. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, wildlife plantings, and erosion control.
Sizes: Small
SMOOTH SUMAC 10 feet Moderate Good-Excellent Low Moderate 5000- 8000
Rhus glabra This native shrub is extremely drought resistant and the leaves turn a bright red in the fall. More than thirty bird species and deer use the fruit as winter food. It serves as good ground cover for small mammals. It has low calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.3 to 7.5. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 5 through 8 at elevations between 5000 and 8000 feet. The width is between 10 and 15 feet. Pest Problems: None serious. Suggested Uses: reclamation, erosion control and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Small
SOUTHERN LIVE OAK 50 ft Moderate Fair Moderate Moderate 0- 0
Quercus virginiana Southern live oak is native to the southeastern United States from Virginia through Texas. It has been planted for decades in the warmer areas of the southwestern US. The average height and crown width at maturity is at 50 feet. It has intermediate shade tolerance and a pH range of 4.3 to 7.5. Southern live oak can grow in hardiness zones 7-10 and is cold hardy to 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit. It is relatively drought tolerant, but it does require watering. Although it appears to be evergreen, it is actually deciduous, it drops its old leaves just as new ones emerge. It grows in dry to moist soils, whether gravelly, sandy, loamy or clay, but does best in neutral or slightly acidic clay loams, poor drainage okay. It is saline tolerant and tolerant of compaction. Pest Problems: oak wilt Suggested Uses: wildlife food -acorns, attracts butterflies and birds
Sizes: Small
SOUTHWESTERN WHITE PINE up to 80 feet Moderate Excellent Moderate Low 4500- 10000
Pinus strobiformis A large native tree, that grows well in a forest environment. It has edible seeds, similar though smaller than those of piñon. It is very graceful and the needles are soft and wispy. Its blue-green foliage makes it a formal-looking tree when young. The width is between 20 and 30 feet. The optimum soil pH is 4.5 to 6.8. Hardiness zones are 5 through 9 at elevations above 4500 feet. NOT RECOMMENED FOR SOUTHEAST NEW MEXICO (CAPITANS, SACRAMENTO AND WHITE MOUNTAINS) DUE TO WHITE PINE BLISTER RUST. Pest Problems: bark beetle, twig beetle, dwarf mistletoe and White Pine blister rust. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, Christmas trees, and reforestation.
Sizes: Small
SUPERB PENSTEMON 2 feet Moderate Good-Excellent Low Moderate 3500- 5500
Penstemon superbus Native to extreme southwestern New Mexico and southern Arizona. Grows in sandy or gravelly soils in canyons and washes. Has coral-colored blooms in April and May. Is a pollinator for native bees. Hardy in USDA hardiness zones 6-9. Pest Problems: none known Suggested Uses: pollinator for native bees
Sizes: Small
THINLEAF ALDER 20-25 feet Moderate-Fast Excellent Moderate-High Low-Moderate 5000- 10000
Alnus tenuifolia This native species is common along creeks and canyons from 5000 to 10000 feet in elevation. Alder bark is rich in tannin and very puckery if chewed. The bark is used for tanning, giving skins a red color. Beavers, deer and rabbits eat the bark despite its puckery taste. It is good cover for wildlife and browse for deer. It has no calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.5 to 7.0. It has intermediate shade tolerance. Hardiness zones are 1 through 7 at elevations above 5000 feet. The width is between 12 and 20 feet. Pest Problems: Tent caterpillars. Suggested Uses: Wildlife plantings, streambank stabilization and erosion control.
Sizes: Small
TURPENTINE BUSH 1-3 feet Moderate-Fast Good-Excellent Low Moderate 3000- 6500
Ericameria laricifolia Is a native New Mexico shrub that is 1-3 feet tall and wide with small golden-yellow flowers and dense narrow leaves. It prefers full sun to part shade, is cold and heat tolerant and grows in dry, well-drained granitic, sand, clay loam or limestone soils. Hardiness zones are 7 through 10 at lower than 6500 feet elevation. It flowers in late summer and fall. Pest Problems: None serious Suggested Uses: wildlife browse, attracts butterflies and birds
Sizes: Small
WAX CURRANT 4-6 feet Slow-Moderate Good-Excellent Low Moderate 5000- 13000
Ribes cereum This attractive fragrant native shrub produces pink flowers in the spring and red fruit in the late summer. This plant is abundant over rocky slopes and in dry and open woods. It does well in areas of limited precipitation. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 6.5-7.5. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 5 through 8 at elevations above 5000 feet. The width is between 3 and 5 feet. Pest Problems: None serious. Suggested Uses: Wildlife habitat and erosion control
Sizes: Small
WINTERFAT 3–4 feet Fast Good-Excellent Low Moderate-High 3000- 8000
Ceratoides lanata Winterfat is a hardy, native half-shrub with a wide range throughout New Mexico. It grows on dry, well-drained soils, 3000 - 8000 feet in elevation, and can tolerate saline or alkaline soils. It is superior winter forage for livestock and used extensively by wildlife. The seed heads in the fall give the plant a pleasing silvery appearance. The long white fuzzy plumes give it another name: "Lambs Tail". It has high calcium carbonate and salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 6.6 to 8.5. It is shade intolerant. Hardiness zones are 3 through 8 at elevations lower than 8000 feet. The average width is 3 feet. Pest Problems: no major pests. Suggested Uses: erosion control, range improvement, and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Small