Region profile

Sierras of Jalisco and Michoacán with Conifer, Oak, and Mixed Forests

Sierras of Jalisco and Michoacán with Conifer, Oak, and Mixed Forests is a fragmented mountain system along the Pacific coast covering parts of Jalisco and Michoacán, characterized by various sub-humid climates, well-conserved natural vegetation like pine and oak forests, and unique endemic species.

Zone

Forest

Common Name

CEC Level III Code

13.5.1

CEC Level II Code

13.5 Temperate Sierras

Overview Eco Snapshot Calendar Habitat Seed Mix

Overview

About This Region

The Sierras of Jalisco and Michoacán are a vital region characterized by diverse conifer, oak, and mixed forests. This area is critical for numerous pollinators, including migratory monarch butterflies and native bee species, who rely on the varied flora for nectar and habitat. Pollinators in this region face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation, climate variability impacting flowering cycles, and pesticide use in adjacent agricultural areas. Conservation efforts are key to protecting these forests and ensuring the survival of the pollinator populations.

Sierras of Jalisco and Michoacán with Conifer, Oak, and Mixed Forests — https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/106818369 Photo: (c) grinnin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | CC-BY-NC | iNaturalist

Region facts

At a glance

Category	Details
Aliases	Sierras of Jalisco and Michoacï¿½n with Conifer, Oak, and Mixed Forests, Sierras of Jalisco and Michoacï¿½n with Conifer Oak and Mixed Forests, Sierras of Jalisco and Michoacán with Conifer, Sierras of Jalisco and Michoacán with Conifer Oak and Mixed Forests, Sierras of Jalisco & Michoacán conifer–oak–mixed forests
Geographic Range	I’m still learning and can’t help with that. Do you need help with anything else?
Climate Snapshot	The climate is characterized by different types of sub-humid warm, semi-warm, and temperate conditions with summer rains, receiving the greatest amount of moisture from the Pacific Ocean, often continuing due to frequent hurricane seasons.
Terrain Profile	This subregion consists of two mountainous massifs of igneous and sedimentary rock separated by the Colima-Sayula rift valley, with elevations typically below 2,500 masl but reaching 2,700 and 2,800 masl in some areas.
Vegetation Cover	Natural vegetation is maintained in nearly 92 percent of the subregion, with pine forests covering 16.4%, oak forests 21.1%, and mixed forests 33.2%, along with smaller areas of tropical deciduous, medium-height, oyamel, and mountain cloud forests.
Wildlife Habitat	The subregion is home to endemic mammals and reptiles, various migratory birds, and species such as the jaguar, margay, and green iguana, with several species including the jaguar, ocelote, and neotropical otter listed as in danger of extinction.

Eco snapshot

What shapes this region

Climate pattern

Mountain weather can shift quickly with elevation and slope
Wet/dry season timing and intensity can vary by location
“Microclimate” means small local weather differences—like a sunny south-facing slope vs. a shaded ravine

Vegetation profile

Natural vegetation is maintained in nearly 92 percent of the subregion, with pine forests covering 16.4%, oak forests 21.1%, and mixed forests 33.2%, along with smaller areas of tropical deciduous, medium-height, oyamel, and mountain cloud forests.

Wildlife profile

The subregion is home to endemic mammals and reptiles, various migratory birds, and species such as the jaguar, margay, and green iguana, with several species including the jaguar, ocelote, and neotropical otter listed as in danger of extinction.

Why pollinators matter here

Pollinators help many wild plants reproduce, supporting forest-edge and meadow biodiversity
Flower-rich openings can act like “refueling stations” across rugged terrain
Diverse bloom times can support different pollinator life cycles through the season
Pesticide-free gardens and community plantings can reduce stress on local pollinators

Seasonal timing

Planting seasons

Timing varies by microclimate; use this as a flexible guide.

Seasonal timing

Late winter/early spring: plan, source native plants, and prepare soil/containers
Spring: main planting window in many sites; watch for late cold snaps at higher elevations
Summer: focus on watering new plants and keeping blooms going through hotter/drier stretches
Late summer/fall: another good planting window in many climates; also a key time to support late-season blooms

Quick seasonal checklist

Choose 3–5 native species that cover early, mid, and late bloom
Plant in clumps (easier for pollinators to find)
Add a small nesting area (bare soil + stems/wood)
Keep a simple watering plan for the first establishment season
Leave some seedheads and leaf litter for shelter

Yearly needs

Pollinator calendar

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 shelter as insects become active	Plant or protect early-blooming natives; leave some leaf litter/brushy corners; avoid “spring cleanup” that removes shelter
Spring	Steady bloom; nesting sites for bees starting new nests	Plant a mix of flowers and shrubs; keep some bare, well-drained soil; add stems/wood for cavities
Summer	Reliable nectar during heat/dry spells; water access	Prioritize drought-tolerant natives once established; add a shallow water dish with stones; keep blooms going with mid-season plants
Late summer/fall	“Last chance” nectar/pollen to build reserves; late-season host plants	Plant late bloomers; avoid deadheading everything; let some plants go to seed; keep pesticide-free
Winter or Dry Season	Shelter from cold/dry conditions; undisturbed nesting areas	Leave stems standing; keep logs/branches; avoid heavy disturbance of soil and leaf litter until the next growing season

Keystone plants

Keystone plants by season

Mix early, mid, and late bloomers so pollinators always find food.

Early Bloom

Manzanita
Ceanothus (California lilac)
Lupine
Penstemon

Mid-Season Bloom

Milkweed
Salvias (sage)
Sunflowers
Goldenrod (some species bloom later; timing varies)

Late-Season Bloom

Asters
Rabbitbrush
Joe-Pye weed
Blanketflower

Seed mix concept

A Billion Small Steps Seed mix

A simple way to plan is to think in three layers of bloom support, chosen from locally native species that fit your site:

Spring starter

Early bloomers that help pollinators as they become active

Summer bridge

Mid-season flowers that keep nectar/pollen available through hotter or drier stretches

Fall finisher

Late bloomers that help pollinators build reserves before winter/dry season

What You Can Do

Make a difference for native habitats.

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.

Get a Bloom Kit View Bloom Map

Native plants

Plants that thrive in this region

Asters

Asters are late-season wildflowers that bring a burst of daisy-like blooms when many gardens are winding down, making them a reliable choice for pollinator-friendly planting.

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Blackberries & raspberries

Blackberries and raspberries (genus Rubus) are flowering bramble shrubs that can feed pollinators in bloom and people later with tasty berries—great for yards, school gardens, and even large containers with support.

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Blazing stars

Blazing stars (Liatris) are upright, purple-pink wildflowers that bloom in showy spikes and are well-loved by many pollinators. They’re a strong choice for sunny gardens, borders, and meadow-style plantings.

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Blueberries & huckleberries

Blueberries and huckleberries (genus Vaccinium) are berry-producing shrubs with spring flowers that can support pollinators and later feed people and wildlife—great for gardens, schoolyards, and even large containers.

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Coneflowers

Coneflowers (Echinacea) are tough, long-blooming wildflowers that bring steady color and reliable nectar and pollen to gardens, schoolyards, and even large containers.

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Currants & gooseberries

Currants and gooseberries are Ribes shrubs that offer early-season flowers for pollinators and later berries for people and wildlife. They’re a great choice for edible landscapes, mixed borders, and small yards where you want a plant that does more than one job.

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Goldenrods

Goldenrods are tough, sunny wildflowers in the genus Solidago that light up late-season gardens with golden blooms and provide reliable nectar and pollen when many other flowers are fading.

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Ironweeds

Ironweeds are tall, purple-blooming wildflowers in the genus Vernonia that bring late-season color and steady nectar to pollinator gardens.

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Joe-Pye weeds

Joe-Pye weeds are tall, late-season native wildflowers in the genus Eutrochium that bring big, fluffy flower clusters to gardens and give pollinators a reliable place to feed when many other plants are winding down.

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Maples

Maples are familiar shade trees that offer early-season flowers and later seeds, supporting a range of pollinators and adding strong structure to yards, school grounds, and streetscapes.

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Milkweeds

Milkweeds are tough, nectar-rich wildflowers in the genus Asclepias that can turn a garden bed, schoolyard edge, or even a sunny pot into a pollinator stop.

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Mountain mints

Mountain mints are tough, fragrant native wildflowers that bloom in summer and are famous for drawing in a busy mix of pollinators. They’re easy to grow, handle a range of garden conditions, and make a great “plant it and watch it” choice for pollinator patches.

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Oaks

Oaks are long-lived trees that can anchor a yard, school ground, or park with shade, structure, and lots of seasonal interest. Many pollinators use oak flowers in spring, and the tree’s leaves and bark support a wide web of life over time.

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Prairie coneflowers

Prairie coneflowers (Ratibida) are tough, sunny wildflowers with drooping petals and a bold cone-shaped center that pollinators can easily find. They’re a great choice for low-fuss gardens, schoolyards, and naturalized patches where you want long-lasting summer color.

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Rushes

Rushes are tough, grass-like wetland plants (genus Juncus) that thrive in damp soil and help create calm, sheltered habitat at the edges of ponds, rain gardens, and low spots.

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Sedges

Sedges (genus Carex) are grass-like plants that form tidy clumps and thrive in many garden conditions, especially where soil stays a bit damp. They add texture, cover bare ground, and can support small wildlife by providing shelter and nesting material.

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Serviceberries

Serviceberries (genus Amelanchier) are small trees with early-season blossoms, edible berries, and strong wildlife value—an easy way to add beauty and pollinator support to a yard, school garden, or even a large container.

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Sunflowers

Native sunflowers are bright, tough wildflowers in the genus Helianthus that feed pollinators and add cheerful color from mid-season into fall.

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Wild bergamot & bee balms

Wild bergamot and other bee balms (the genus Monarda) are easygoing native wildflowers known for their shaggy, pom‑pom blooms that draw in lots of pollinators. They’re a great choice when you want long-lasting summer color and a plant that feels lively with buzzing visitors.

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Willows

Willows are fast-growing trees and shrubs in the genus Salix that offer some of the earliest pollen and nectar of the year, making them a strong choice for pollinator-friendly yards, parks, and school grounds.

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Pollinators