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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
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. 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
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. 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. 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 SYCAMORE 50 - 80 feet Fast Fair Moderate Moderate 4500- 6000
Platanus wrightii This attractive native tree will grow best in southern New Mexico riparian areas and was once abundant in southwest New Mexico but appears to be less common today. The bark is shaggy and white/ green. The leaves are large and maple-like in shape. It is fast growing and has a pleasing fragrance after a rain. The crown width averages 35 feet. It has moderate calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.8 to 7.5. Pest Problems: no major pests. Suggested Uses: soil stabilization, riparian restoration, and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Small
ARIZONA WALNUT 15 - 20 Moderate Good Low-Moderate Moderate-High 5000- 7000
Fragrant ash has strongly fragrant white-petaled flowers that sometimes cover the tree in a blanket of white. It is the only ash that has flower corollas; the four petals have long, narrow lobes. It is an attractive small tree that grows in the Trans-Pecos mountains, both in slightly acid soils and slightly acid alkaline limestone. The optimum soil pH is 6.0-7.0. It is often seen growing in very severe environmental conditons. Pest Problems: None serious. Suggested Uses: Erosion control, windbreaks, slope stabilization.
Sizes:
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. 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. 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. Pest Problems: None serious. Suggested Uses: erosion control of streambanks, wildlife plantings
Sizes: Small
BLUE SPRUCE up to 80 feet Slow Excellent High Low-Moderate 5000- 10000
Picea pungens A native conifer that has a conical shape and will require supplemental water and generally requires some shade protection when young. The color of the foliage is from green to blue and it is often used as a Christmas tree in New Mexico. It also has value to the wood products industry. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.5 to 7.8. It has intermediate shade tolerance. The width is between 20 to 30 feet. Pest Problems: Douglas-fir tussock moth, needle scale, and spruce aphids. Suggested Uses: reforestation, Christmas trees, and windbreaks.
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. 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. 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
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. Pest Problems: minor problems. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, wildlife plantings, and energy conservation plantings.
Sizes: Bare
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. 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: Bare, 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. Pest Problems: No major pests. Suggested Uses: Riparian restoration, erosion control in riparian sites and wildlife habitat
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. 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
EASTERN REDCEDAR up to 40 feet Moderate Good-Excellent Low-Moderate Moderate 3000- 7000
Juniperus virginiana Native to the eastern and plains states, it forms a dense, pyramidal crown. It grows across a wide variety of soils, including those with a high water table. It is used extensively in windbreaks and in living snow fence plantings. This tree is best known for its fruit. Cones are eaten by many birds and mammals including Mourning dove, robins, turkey, squirrels, and raccoons and many other types of wildlife. It is a rugged tree and a good survivor. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 4.7 to 8.0. It has intermediate shade tolerance. The width is between 10 and 20 feet. Pest Problems: spider mites and western cedar borer. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, living snow fences, and energy conservation plantings.
Sizes: Large
ENGELMANN SPRUCE up to 120 feet Slow Excellent Moderate Moderate 5000- 11500
Picea engelmannii This native spruce is long-lived, and strongly resembles blue spruce. It grows on drier sites than blue spruce and has moderate watering needs. It is conical in form and has a narrow spire-like crown. Small birds and mammals use the seed as a food source. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 6.0 to 8.0. It is shade tolerant. The crown width averages 30 feet. Pest Problems: western spruce budworm and spruce beetle. Suggested Uses: reforestation, Christmas trees, and windbreaks.
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. It is shade intolerant. Pest Problems: insect gall. Suggested Uses: erosion control and wildlife plantings.
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. 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
GAMBEL OAK up to 30 feet Moderate Good-Excellent Moderate Moderate 5000- 8500
Quercus gambelii A native tree or large shrub recognized by the deeply lobed leaves, which are larger than those of other Southwestern oaks. This is the only common tree oak in northern New Mexico. It is considered as good browse for deer and other wildlife. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 6.5 to 8.0. It is shade intolerant. The width is between 12 and 20 feet. Pest Problems: no major pests. Suggested Uses: reclamation, wood products, erosion control, and wildlife plantings.
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. 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: Bare, 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:
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. Pest Problems: none serious Suggested Uses: wildlife habitat, windbreaks
Sizes: Small
LILAC Up to 12 Feet Moderate-Fast Excellent Moderate Moderate 4500- 8000
Syringa vulgaris This violet fragrant flowered shrub grows across a wide variety of soils. Due to its growth habit, it is suitable in single or multi-row windbreaks and has high quality cover for wildlife. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance, low salinity tolerance, and has intermediate shade tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.8 to 7.8. The width is between 6 and 12 feet. Pest Problems: minor problems with lilac borer, and leaf miners. Suggested Uses: windbreaks and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Bare
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. Pest Problems: bark beetle, twig beetle, dwarf mistletoe and White Pine blister rust. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, Christmas trees, and reforestation.
Sizes: Small
LITTLE LEAF SUMAC 8-10 feet Moderate Good Low Moderate-High 4000- 8000
Rhus microphyllum A native shrub of the desert washes and valleys of New Mexico that has clusters of orange-red berries that provide winter food for many birds and mammals. It is found as far north as Sabinoso in San Miguel county. The leaves turn a beautiful orange-red in the fall. Basket weaving was a common use of sumac branches by Native Americans. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 7.0 to 8.5. It is shade intolerant. The width is between 6 and 10 feet. Pest Problems: no major pests. Suggested Uses: erosion control, windbreaks, and slope stabilization.
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. The width is between 2 and 4 feet. Pest Problems: None serious. Suggested Uses: Wildlife habitat and erosion control.
Sizes: Small
NANKING CHERRY 8-10 Feet Fast Excellent Low Moderate 5000- 8000
Prunus tomentosa Nanking Cherry is a large wide spreading shrub with rose-type leaves and beautiful showy white flowers in the spring. It can be pruned into a small tree. The fruit is edible for humans and is also relished by birds. Nanking cherry requires cross-pollination to produce fruit. The plant works well as a mass planting or informal hedge. It is very cold hardy. It has medium calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.7 to 7.2. It is shade intolerant. The width is between 6 and 8 feet. Pest Problems: Tent caterpillars, black rot and pear slug. Suggested Uses: windbreaks and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Bare
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. 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. The crown width is between 10 and 15 feet. Pest Problems: pear slug, aphids, and powdery mildew. Suggested Uses: windbreaks and wildlife plantings.
Sizes: Bare
NETLEAF HACKBERRY 20 feet Slow-Moderate Good-Excellent Low-Moderate Moderate 2500- 6600
Celtis reticulata It is a deciduous shrub to small tree with a growth form that varies from single to multiple stems. It has gray, moderately thick bark. It provides cover and food for a variety of wildlife species. Its small orange/red fruits are an important food source for birds during the winter and its leaves and twigs are browsed by bighorn sheep, mule deer, and elk. It is drought tolerant and can be used to aid in soil stabilization on various types of disturbed sites. It commonly grows in washes, ravines, arroyos, rocky canyons and occurs in desert shrubland and semidesert grasslands. It is highly tolerant to calcium carbonate, but has low salt tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.9 to 8.3. It is shade intolerant. The crown width is between 20 and 30 feet. Pest Problems: None serious. Suggested Uses: erosion control, wildlife plantings, and windbreaks.
Sizes: Small
NEW MEXICO ELDERBERRY up to 25 feet Moderate-Fast Good Low Low-Moderate 6500- 9500
Sambucus cerulea var. neomexicana This is a small native tree that is common in the central and southern parts of New Mexico. The leaves are pinnately compound and opposite. It has white flowers and produces purple-black berries that can be used for jellies, pies, wine-making, etc. It provides cover, nesting sites, and food for many bird species. It is also used as browse by mule deer. It is highly drought tolerant, has medium calcium carbonate tolerance, and no salinity tolerance. It has intermediate shade tolerance. The crown width is up to 20 feet. The optimum soil pH is 4.9 to 7.5. Pest Problems: Suggested Uses: wildlife habitat, erosion control
Sizes: Small
NEW MEXICO FORESTIERA 8-10 feet Moderate Good Low Moderate 4000- 7500
Forestiera neomexicana Also called NM Olive or Privet, this native shrub has a broad range in New Mexico. It is widely used by birds due to the small black olive-shaped fruit it produces. It forms a dense thicket or small tree and is excellent for controlling erosion. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and medium salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 7.0 to 8.5. It is shade intolerant. The width is between 8 and 12 feet. Pest Problems: no serious pests. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, wildlife plantings, and erosion control.
Sizes: Bare, Small
NEW MEXICO LOCUST 15-25 feet Fast Good-Excellent Moderate Moderate-High 4500- 8500
Robinia neomexicana This is a native tree especially useful for erosion control due to its rapid growth and thicket forming tendencies. The legumes incorporate nitrogen into the soil improving the quality of the soil. It produces showy purple flowers in the spring. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 7.0 to 8.5. It is shade intolerant. The average crown width is 15 feet. Pest Problems: minor problem with locust borer. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, reclamation, 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. The width is up to 40 feet. Pest Problems: None serious Suggested Uses: Riparian restoration, streambank stabilization and wildlife plantings.
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. 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
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. 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
REDOSIER DOGWOOD 6-9 feet Moderate Good High Moderate 5500- 9000
Cornus stolonifera Redosier prefers moist sites along streams and around swampy or boggy land. This native species is readily noticed due to its red twigs and white berries in the fall. The flowers grow in clusters and are tiny and white. It has no calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 4.8 to 7.5. It is shade intolerant. The width is between 8 and 10 feet. Pest Problems: No major pests Suggested Uses: Riparian or wetland plantings.
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. 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 ELDER 6-10' Slow Excellent Low Low 5000- 12000
Sambucus racemosa This native shrub has fragrant white blossoms that are followed by shiny red berries. Twigs are reddish-brown. Birds and small animals use the berries for food and deer browse the leaves and twigs. The berries may be used to make jellies, pies, and wine. Pest Problems: None serious. Suggested Uses: erosion control, soil stabilization and wild habitat.
Sizes:
ROCKY MOUNTAIN JUNIPER up to 40 feet Moderate Excellent Low Moderate-High 3500- 9000
Juniperus scopulorum This is a hardy native tree that grows across a wide variety of soils. It is the fastest growing of southwestern junipers and can be found along mountain streams and dry, rocky slopes. The pea size blue-berries are an important source of food for birds and small mammals. It has high calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 5.0 to 8.5. It is shade intolerant. It has a crown width of between 10 and 20 feet. Pest Problems: juniper bark beetle, spider mites, western cedar borer, and juniper mistletoe. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, reforestation, and erosion control.
Sizes: Large
SCOTS PINE (SCOTCH PINE) up to 50 feet Moderate-Fast Good-Excellent Moderate Moderate 3000- 7500
Pinus sylvestris A native of Europe, the irregular pyramidal crown develops into a broad crown with age. The crown width is between 20 and 35 feet. It is widely planted for Christmas trees in many parts of the U.S. It is considered a good tree for reclamation because it often seeds itself into the site. It has low calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum pH is 5.0 to 7.5. It is shade intolerant. Pest Problems: Ips bark beetle and pine needle scale. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, Christmas trees, and energy conservation plantings.
Sizes: Small
SERVICEBERRY 6 feet Moderate Good-Excellent Moderate Moderate-High 5000- 9000
Amelanchier alnifolia This native species is a medium to tall deciduous shrub. The stems are maroon in color and it produces showy white flowers in the spring. Fall colors are yellow and orange/red. The fruit is purple-black when ripe, edible and very tasty. Serviceberry is self-pollinating. It is an excellent wildlife species. It inhabits banks, slopes, and mountains in mesic areas. Has high calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 4.8 to 8.4. The width is 15 feet. Pest Problems: None known to be serious. Suggested Uses: Erosion control and wildlife plantings
Sizes: Small
SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL up to 4 feet Slow Good-Excellent Low Moderate 6500- 11500
Potentilla fruticosa Native drought tolerant shrub that has small yellow 5-petalled blossoms that are present from June through September It is attractive to butterflies and is also forage for mule deer. This shrub is also known by the name Potentilla. The bark is brown and shreddy in color. It has medium calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.0 to 8.0. It has intermediate shade tolerance, but prefers full sun. The width is between 2 and 4 feet. Pest Problems: none serious. Suggested Uses: erosion control, wildlife plantings, and windbreaks.
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. The width is between 6 and 8 feet. Pest Problems: no serious pests. Suggested Uses: windbreaks, wildlife plantings, and erosion control.
Sizes: Bare, 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. The width is between 10 and 15 feet. Pest Problems: None serious. Suggested Uses: reclamation, erosion control and wildlife plantings.
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. 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
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. The width is between 12 and 20 feet. Pest Problems: Tent caterpillars. Suggested Uses: Wildlife plantings, streambank stabilization and erosion control.
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. The width is between 3 and 5 feet. Pest Problems: None serious. Suggested Uses: Wildlife habitat and erosion control
Sizes: Bare, Small
WHITE FIR up to 80 feet Slow-Moderate Excellent Moderate-High Low 5000- 10000
Abies concolor This native conifer, is widely used as a Christmas tree in New Mexico. It has a conical shape which becomes irregular with age. It is also a notable commercial species for the wood products industry in New Mexico. The needles are silvery blue and cones are olive-green to purple. It has low calcium carbonate tolerance and no salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 5.5 to 7.8. It is shade tolerant. The width is between 15 and 30 feet. Pest Problems: spruce budworm, Douglas-fir tussock moth, bark beetles, aphids and dwarf mistletoe. Suggested Uses: Christmas trees and reforestation.
Sizes: Small
WOODS ROSE 4-6 feet Fast Good-Excellent Moderate Moderate 5000- 9000
Rosa woodsii This hardy shrub produces showy pink flowers in the spring and has beautiful orange-red fall color. It is excellent cover for grouse and other fowl. Big game animals readily graze them when present in winter range. It is a good soil stabilizer. It has low calcium carbonate and salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 5.0-8.0. Its shade tolerance is intermediate. The width is between 3 and 4 feet. Pest Problems: leaf cutter bees. Suggested Uses: erosion control, wildlife plantings, and windbreaks.
Sizes: Bare