Pollinators are critical to the survival of humans and countless other creatures. Nearly one in every three bites of food you eat depends on them! Adding one or more of these nine natives to your property can help support a healthy pollinator population that contributes to local ecosystems.
Aster Flowers
Aster flowers are late-season perennials and are frequently visited by bees and syrphid flies (also called hoverflies or flower flies). Butterflies may also visit this native, but less frequently than the former two species.
Sweetspire
Bees and butterflies love the long, flowing white flowers which bloom in drooping spires that develop on the branches of the native sweetspire shrub. In addition, this popular native offers protection to birds and small mammals with its tightly-knit branches.
Blue Sage
Fragrant and brightly colored, many species of pollinators adore this native. Bumblebees and butterflies regularly visit its blue flowers, along with small insects like thrips and leafhoppers.
Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower supports several pollinators with its nectar-rich, red flowers. Butterflies, bees, and the ruby-throated hummingbird, are drawn to the vibrant colors and nourishing nectar of this native.
Butterfly Weed
Butterfly weed typically grows between 1.5-3 feet tall and produces striking orange flowers that draw the attention of many species of pollinators. This plant supports butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, bees, and wasps and makes an excellent addition to any garden looking to establish a thriving pollinator population.
Blazing Star
When blazing star blooms in late-summer months, it’s common to see a group of monarch butterflies enjoying its fluffy, purple flowers. In addition to monarchs, several other species of butterflies are drawn to the plant. Hummingbirds, honeybees, and bumblebees also visit frequently. In the fall and winter months, birds feed on the seeds of this native.
Coneflower
Purple coneflower is a hearty perennial that has developed a strong, mutually-beneficial relationship with many pollinators. Insects like long-tongued bees and butterflies, including monarchs, are its most recognizable pollinators. In addition to purple, native coneflowers are also found in lavender (pale purple and glade coneflower) and yellow (yellow and gray-headed coneflower).
Wild Hydrangea
The eastern bumblebee is wild hydrangea’s primary pollinator, but several species of butterflies are also attracted to its pale white, fertile flowers. Specifically, Hairstreaks (butterflies in the Theclinae subfamily) and Azure butterflies are fans of this native.
Viburnum
Though viburnums do not bloom for a long period of time, they’re visited by a plethora of pollinators. Several types of flies, including hoverflies, tachinid flies, and dance flies, frequent its white flowers. In addition, long-tongued bees, halictid bees, and beetles may stop by. Butterflies and moths will also occasionally visit viburnums.
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