Very important for mast, browse, and cover. Important winter browse and mast for deer, bighorn sheep, and elk. Most common on prairie, preferring moist areas. Of moderate importance to wildlife. Whitetail and mule deer browse the twigs and foliage.
Biggest benefit is shade.
Has limited wildlife use but provides some songbird cover and is eaten by cottontail rabbit, squirrels, and deer. Seed eaten by bobwhite quail and squirrel. Showy flowers are favored by honey bees. Little value as a food source for game birds or mammals. Seeds are eaten by songbirds, game birds, and rodents.