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Region profile

Balsas Depression with Low Tropical Deciduous Forest and Xerophytic Shrub

Balsas Depression with Low Tropical Deciduous Forest and Xerophytic Shrub is a subregion in southern Mexico, located between the Transverse Neovolcanic Belt and the Southern Sierra Madre, characterized by varied climates, primarily tropical deciduous forest and oak/conifer forest at higher elevations, and defined by the Balsas river basin.

Zone

Forest

Common Name

CEC Level III Code

14.4.1

CEC Level II Code

14.4 Tropical Dry Forests

Overview Eco Snapshot Calendar Habitat Seed Mix

Overview

About This Region

The Balsas Depression in Mexico features a dry climate and diverse ecosystems like Low Tropical Deciduous Forest and Xerophytic Shrub, crucial for specialized pollinators. This region’s pollinators face threats from habitat fragmentation due to agriculture, increased aridity from climate change, and pesticide use affecting the seasonal availability of floral resources. Conservation efforts must focus on maintaining native plant diversity and promoting sustainable land management to support this fragile ecosystem and its vital pollinator populations, ensuring a billion small steps toward resilience.

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Region facts

At a glance

Category	Details
Aliases	Balsas Depression with Low Tropical Deciduous Forest and Xerophytic Shrub, Balsas Depression
Geographic Range	The Balsas Depression is located in southern Mexico, immediately south of the Transverse Neovolcanic Belt and north of the Southern Sierra Madre, encompassing portions of Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, Mexico, Puebla, and Morelos.
Climate Snapshot	The climate is tropical and sub-humid, varying greatly to include dry, semi-dry, very warm, sub-humid semi-warm, and sub-humid temperate types with summer rains, temperatures between 16 and 30°C, and annual precipitation ranging from 500 mm to 1,200 mm.
Terrain Profile	The region features sierras, hills, valleys, plains, and canyons with extrusive igneous rock, alluvial soils like Vertisols and Regosols, and elevations ranging from 200 to 2,300 meters above sea level.
Vegetation Cover	The vegetation is primarily tropical deciduous forest in the low areas and oak and conifer forest at high elevations, with induced grasslands also being significant for livestock production.
Wildlife Habitat	The Balsas Depression is home to important species like the ring-tailed cat and white-tailed deer, and also serves as a habitat for endangered species including the boa constrictor, mountain lion, and jaguarundi.

Eco snapshot

What shapes this region

Climate pattern

Typically a strong wet–dry seasonal cycle.
Flowering and pollinator activity often track rainfall pulses.
Microclimates (small local weather differences) can happen near rivers, on shaded slopes, or in sheltered courtyards.

Vegetation profile

The vegetation is primarily tropical deciduous forest in the low areas and oak and conifer forest at high elevations, with induced grasslands also being significant for livestock production.

Wildlife profile

The Balsas Depression is home to important species like the ring-tailed cat and white-tailed deer, and also serves as a habitat for endangered species including the boa constrictor, mountain lion, and jaguarundi.

Why pollinators matter here

Pollinators help many native plants set seed and maintain healthy plant communities.
In seasonal dry forests, well-timed blooms can be critical “fuel stops” for insects.
Habitat fragmentation can reduce nesting sites and make it harder for pollinators to move between flower patches.
Gardens and community plantings can help bridge bloom gaps during the driest periods.

Seasonal timing

Planting seasons

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

Seasonal timing

Early wet season: often the easiest time to establish many native plants from seed or transplants.
Mid wet season: good for adding “bridge” flowers that keep blooms going.
Late wet season into early dry season: focus on hardy perennials and shrubs; mulch and deep watering (where appropriate) help establishment.
Dry season: prioritize maintenance, targeted watering for young plants, and protecting nesting habitat.

Quick seasonal checklist

Choose mostly native plants adapted to seasonal drought.
Plant in clusters (bigger “targets” for pollinators).
Plan for at least three bloom periods across the year.
Keep some bare soil and some stems/wood for nesting.

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	Add a few early-blooming natives; leave some leaf litter and hollow stems; provide a shallow water dish with stones
Spring	Steady bloom; nesting materials	Plant in clumps; keep a small patch of bare, well-drained soil; avoid all insecticides
Summer	Heat/drought resilience; continuous flowers	Prioritize drought-tough native bloomers; water young plants deeply but less often; add shade/structure with shrubs
Late summer/fall	“Finish line” blooms; seed set	Add late bloomers; let some plants go to seed; reduce deadheading so food webs can function
Dry Season (winter or dry season)	Shelter; minimal disturbance	Don’t over-tidy; keep brush/wood piles small and neat; protect nesting areas from frequent digging

Seed mix concept

A Billion Small Steps Seed mix

A simple way to plan is to think in three layers that match seasonal needs:

Spring starter

Spring starter: early-blooming natives that “kick off” food when pollinators first ramp up activity.

Summer bridge

Summer bridge: heat- and drought-tough flowers that keep nectar/pollen available through the hardest stretch.

Fall finisher

Fall finisher: late blooms that help pollinators build reserves and support seed set for next year.

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.

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Native plants

Plants that thrive in this region

Agaves

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.

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Erythrinas

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.

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Inga

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.

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Milkweeds

Milkweeds from tropical Mexico (genus Asclepias) are nectar-rich wildflowers that can add bright blooms and pollinator activity to sunny gardens and containers.

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Passionflowers

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.

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Salvias

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.

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Wild lilacs

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.

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Pollinators