Arizona Species Replacement Guide

Location: Williams, Arizona

#20250204-USA-AZ-W

Natives to Introduce

Native Grass Example

Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) - Drought-tolerant native grass that stabilizes soil.

Forb Example

Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata) - Hardy flowering plant that supports pollinators.

Shrub Example

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens) - Beneficial for soil retention and wildlife habitat.

Sideoats Grama Example

Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) - Important forage grass that enhances soil stability.

Indian Ricegrass Example

Indian Ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides) - Nutrient-rich grass beneficial for wildlife.

Rabbitbrush Example

Rubber Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa) - Supports pollinators and provides erosion control.

Pinyon Pine Example

Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis) - Provides habitat and food sources for wildlife.

Invasives to Remove

Cheatgrass Example

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) - Highly flammable invasive grass that disrupts native ecosystems.

Tamarisk Example

Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) - Aggressive shrub that depletes water sources.

Knapweed Example

Diffuse Knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) - Outcompetes native plants and reduces biodiversity.

Russian Thistle Example

Russian Thistle (Salsola tragus) - Creates fire hazards and reduces soil stability.

Johnsongrass Example

Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) - Invasive grass that spreads aggressively.

Mullein Example

Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) - Competes with native vegetation and spreads rapidly.

Field Bindweed Example

Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) - Persistent vine that crowds out native plants.

Implementation Steps

  1. Assess Soil Health: Conduct a soil test to determine pH, organic matter, and compaction.
  2. Remove Invasive Species: Use manual removal, prescribed burns, or herbicide treatment as necessary.
  3. Prepare the Land: Implement erosion control measures such as straw wattles or check dams.
  4. Plant Native Species: Seed native grasses and forbs during the appropriate season.
  5. Introduce Shrubs and Trees: Plant native species for windbreaks and habitat.
  6. Water Management: Utilize rainwater harvesting techniques such as swales and basins.
  7. Monitor and Maintain: Regularly check for invasive regrowth and reseed as necessary.
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