National Wildlife Federation/ San Diego County

The Basic Elements of a Wildlife Habitat

Easy to Find and Grow Lists

FOOD Supply food through native and supportive exotic vegetation in order to meet the year around needs of many species. Bird feeders can supplement native sources. Weedy patches and thistles are valuable food sources for many birds.
WATERMost species need water for feeding and bathing. Water can be supplied in a birdbath, small pond, or even a shallow dish. Butterflies like a muddy puddle.
COVER Wildlife needs protection against the elements and predators. Densely branched trees and shrubs, hollow logs, rock piles, brush piles, stone walls, evergreens, thick grasses and deep water provide cover for many species. Be sure to keep cover areas a safe distance from food and water in order to avoid these areas becoming hiding places for predators stalking prey at feeders and water sources.SAFE PLACES TO RAISE YOUNG Safe places for reproduction and nurturing young animals are critical to make a habitat complete. Many cover areas also provide safe nesting places.
SUSTAINABLE GARDENING PRACTICES Remember to use only organic practices in your yard. Pesticides can kill birds, butterflies, lizards and all your wildlife friends. If you feel that you have to use pesticides, it's best for everyone if you use them as sparingly as possible and as a last resort. A few bugs are great food sources for birds. Use mulch and compost, and leave some leaf litter on the ground. All herbs attract beneficial insects and are a valuable addition to keeping your habitat garden pest-free.

EASY TO FIND AND EASY TO GROW
Local Habitat Stewards' top picks for native and exotic plants that support wildlife*
TREES
California Live Oak -- over 1500 species rely on oaks for food and shelter
Toyon - the favorite berry of most California birds
Citrus – attracts butterflies to your garden
Pomegranate – for hummingbirds and orioles
Pines – for food and cover
Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)
Sycamore
SHRUBS
Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus ilicifolia)
Cassia 'Buttercream'
Cape Honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis) may become invasive
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)
Bottlebrush (Callistemon)
Coffeeberry (Rhamnus) - some species tolerate shade
Glossy Abelia – tolerates some shade
Manzanita (especially 'Sunset' Manzanita)
California Lilac (Ceanothus) – some species tolerate shade
Lemonadeberry, Sugar Bush, Laurel Sumac
Mallows (Lavateras, both exotic and native)
Pyracantha
Gooseberries (Ribes)
Mexican Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana)
Skyflower (Duranta)
Grevilleas
PERENNIALS
California Fuchsia (Epilobium or Zauschneria spp.)
Lilac Verbena (Verbena Lilacina)
Salvias especially Cleveland Sage and Mexican Bush Sage (S. clevelandii and S. leucantha and S. greggii)
Coast Sunflower (Encelia californica)
Lavenders and Rosemary
Penstemons – both natives and exotics
Bush Island Snapdragon (Galvezia speciosa)
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia laxiflora)
Buckwheat (Eriogonum species)
Mexican Lobelia (Lobelia laxiflora)
Star Flower – Pentas lanceolata
GRASSES, SEDGES, GROUNDCOVERS AND FILLERS
Coyote Bush (Baccharis)
Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens)
Berkeley Sedge (Carex tumulicola) and Clustered Field Sedge (Carex praegracilis)
Lantana
Salvia 'Dara's Choice'
Gazanias, Felicia, Cosmos and Coreopsis for butterflies
California Poppies
Alyssum – tolerates some shade
Douglas Iris – tolerates some shade
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) to bring Monarchs to your garden
Sunflowers
Plumbago
Hollyhocks
VINES
California Wild Grape Roger's Red
California Honeysuckle (Lonicera subspicata)
Passionflower (Passiflora caerulea)

*Habitat stewards are trained volunteers of the NWF Backyard Habitat program.

Please see our website for more lists, tips and useful information!