Valleys and Depressions of Oaxaca and Puebla with Xeric Shrub and Low Tropical Deciduous Forest is a subregion in the center of Oaxaca, bordered by the Southern Sierra Madre, characterized by an arid climate, great plant biodiversity including columnar and endemic cacti, and a mix of induced grasslands and agricultural land.
Zone
Forest
Common Name
Valleys and Depressions with Xeric Shrub and Low Deciduous Forest
CEC Level III Code
14.4.3
CEC Level II Code
14.4 Tropical Dry Forests
Overview
Region facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Aliases | Valleys and Depressions with Xeric Shrub and Low Deciduous Forest, “Valleys & depressions |
| Geographic Range | Located toward the center of Oaxaca and bordered by the Southern Sierra Madre, this arid subregion covers 3,798,306 km2, features an elevation range of 1,200 to 3,000 masl, and is characterized by eroded soil, significant plant biodiversity (especially cacti), and agricultural use (corn, beans, and agave for mezcal). |
| Climate Snapshot | The climate is arid with mean annual precipitation ranging from 600 to 700 mm. |
| Terrain Profile | The elevation gradient ranges from 1,200 masl in the valleys to hills and low sierras with gradual slopes, reaching up to 3,000 masl at Cerro Tres Cruces. |
| Vegetation Cover | The subregion is rich in plant species, notably columnar and endemic cacti, with other vegetation types including second-growth oak and mixed pine-oak forests, small tropical deciduous forest communities, and induced grasslands. |
| Wildlife Habitat | The subregion's wildlife, though historically decimated and lacking a precise record, still includes observed animals such as rabbits, squirrels, opossums, skunks, beaded lizards, snakes, and birds like the northern mockingbird, house finch, and migratory species. |
Eco snapshot
The subregion is rich in plant species, notably columnar and endemic cacti, with other vegetation types including second-growth oak and mixed pine-oak forests, small tropical deciduous forest communities, and induced grasslands.
The subregion’s wildlife, though historically decimated and lacking a precise record, still includes observed animals such as rabbits, squirrels, opossums, skunks, beaded lizards, snakes, and birds like the northern mockingbird, house finch, and migratory species.
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 shelter as temperatures shift | Prioritize early-blooming natives; leave some leaf litter and stems in place a bit longer |
| Spring | Steady bloom; clean water sources; nesting sites | Plant a mix of shrubs + wildflowers; keep a small patch of bare, well-drained soil |
| Summer | Heat/drought resilience; continuous flowers; shade breaks | Add drought-tolerant bloomers; provide shallow water with landing stones; avoid over-tidying |
| Late summer/fall | “Last chance” nectar/pollen; places to overwinter | Plant late bloomers; leave seed heads and stems; reduce mowing/clearing |
| Winter or Dry Season | Shelter from heat/dryness; protection for eggs/larvae/pupae | Keep brush/stem piles small and tidy-looking; avoid pesticide use; plan next season’s bloom sequence |
Seed mix concept
Details coming soon.
Details coming soon.
Details coming soon.
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.
