Hills and Sierras with Low Tropical Deciduous Forest and Oak Forest is a subregion located primarily in the Eastern Sierra Madre and Gulf Coastal Plains, characterized by a warm to semi-warm climate, significant agricultural use (especially for livestock), and important landforms like sierras and hills with elevations under 2,000 masl.
Zone
Forest
Common Name
Hills and Sierra with Low Tropical Deciduous Forest and Oak Forest
CEC Level III Code
14.1.2
CEC Level II Code
14.1 Tropical Dry Forests
Overview
Region facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Aliases | Hills and Sierra with Low Tropical Deciduous Forest and Oak Forest, Tropical dry forest hills and sierra, Oak–tropical deciduous forest hills |
| Geographic Range | This subregion is characterized by sierras and hills located primarily in the Eastern Sierra Madre and Gulf Coastal Plains, with elevations under 2,000 masl, and contains low-lying areas that descend to the Gulf of Mexico coastline. |
| Climate Snapshot | The climate of this subregion is warm to semi-warm, with summer rains and levels of precipitation that generate a significant amount of moisture. |
| Terrain Profile | The most important landforms are sierras and hills, with elevations under 2,000 masl, including canyons and steep slopes in some areas, and low-lying areas that descend to the Gulf of Mexico coastline. |
| Vegetation Cover | Over 50 percent of the total land area is used for agriculture, primarily cultivated grassland, though relicts of tropical deciduous forest and other forests still cover approximately 20 percent of the area. |
| Wildlife Habitat | The subregion is home to representative animal species such as macaws and cougars, and has two natural protected areas for species conservation. |
Eco snapshot
Over 50 percent of the total land area is used for agriculture, primarily cultivated grassland, though relicts of tropical deciduous forest and other forests still cover approximately 20 percent of the area.
The subregion is home to representative animal species such as macaws and cougars, and has two natural protected areas for species conservation.
Seasonal timing
Yearly needs
What pollinators need throughout the year, and what to do about it.
| Season | What pollinators need most | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Late winter/early spring | Early nectar/pollen; safe nesting spots | Plant early-blooming natives; leave some bare, well-drained soil; avoid “preventative” pesticide use |
| Spring | A steady ramp-up of blooms; nesting materials | Add a mix of flowers + shrubs; keep some hollow stems/woody bits; provide shallow water |
| Summer | Continuous bloom; heat/drought refuge | Plant heat-tolerant bloomers; add light shade and mulch; water deeply (as needed) rather than frequently |
| Late summer/fall | “Bridge” blooms before the toughest dry period; seed set | Add late-blooming natives; let some plants go to seed; reduce deadheading so wildlife benefits |
| Winter or Dry Season | Shelter; minimal disturbance; reliable water in harsh weeks | Leave leaf litter in corners; keep stems/brush piles; maintain a small water source; plan next season’s plant additions |
Seed mix concept
Spring starter: early bloomers that kick off the season when pollinators are rebuilding populations.
Summer bridge: heat- and drought-tolerant flowers that keep nectar/pollen available through the toughest weeks.
Fall finisher (or late-season bridge): late bloomers that help pollinators store energy and complete life cycles before the harshest dry-season period.
What You Can Do
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.
Native plants
Agaves are bold, sculptural succulents that store water in thick leaves and thrive in bright, dry spots. Their flowers can be a big seasonal draw for pollinators when plants are mature and in bloom.
Erythrinas (coral trees) are showy flowering trees in the genus Erythrina, known for bold, nectar-rich blooms that can be a seasonal food stop for pollinators in warm gardens.
Inga is a group of tropical trees (genus Inga) known for fluffy, brush-like flowers and long pods. In warm climates, it can be a shade tree that also offers nectar and pollen for a variety of insects.
Milkweeds from tropical Mexico (genus Asclepias) are nectar-rich wildflowers that can add bright blooms and pollinator activity to sunny gardens and containers.
Passionflowers (genus Passiflora) are climbing vines known for their intricate, otherworldly blooms and their ability to add vertical color to fences, trellises, and sunny walls.
Salvias are a big, colorful group of flowering plants in the genus Salvia, with especially rich diversity in Mexico. Many are easy, pollinator-friendly garden plants that bloom over a long season when given sun and well-drained soil.
Wild lilacs (genus Calliandra) are warm-climate shrubs known for fluffy “powderpuff” blooms that can add color and pollinator activity to sunny gardens and patios.
Pollinators
Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, and many species’ larvae help keep plant-eating pests in check.
They can move pollen between flowers while feeding on nectar, especially for blooms that open or scent up in the evening.
They move pollen between flowers while feeding, helping many plants reproduce.
They move pollen between flowers over long distances, helping some plants set fruit and seed.
They move pollen between flowers over long distances and help many plants set fruit and seed.
They move pollen between flowers while feeding on nectar, supporting seed and fruit production in many plants.
They help pollinate many wild and cultivated plants in tropical and subtropical regions, supporting food webs and biodiversity.
