Planting for Pollinators     -    Plant Lists    -    How to Plant for Pollinators

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Native plants evolved over time to develop complex and essential relationships with our pollinators and other beneficial insects. They are more attractive to our bees, butterflies and other important pollinators and better meet their nutritional needs.

In order to attract pollinators, it is important to provide plants with a variety of shapes, sizes and colors throughout the entire growing season.  Even a small garden can provide habitat attractive to birds, bees, and butterflies.  

Why Native Plants?

     .  Flourish without synthetic pesticides.

     -  Require less care since adapted to our local climate & soils.

     .  Rarely need watering once established.

     .  Provide food and habitat for wildlife.

     .  Contribute to biodiversity.

     -  Trees keep our air and waterways clean & prevent soil erosion.

     -  Sequester carbon more efficiently than non-natives.

     .  Natives connect us to our unique natural surroundings.

     .  Native Plants are Beautiful.

                                                                                              PLANT LISTS 

Plants for Specific Pollinators 

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Trees, Shrubs and Vines

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  Plants for Specific Site Conditions and Needs

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 How to Plant for Pollinators                                         

​​-   3-Season Bloom. It is important to have continuous bloom throughout the season. This ensures a supply of food (pollen & nectar)

    for each pollinator species during the time they are actively foraging.  Some pollinators are active only in spring, others during summer or fall.

    Most only live a few weeks as adult pollinators. Providing food during their time is critical.

-  Color is important. Bees prefer yellow, white, and blue but will visit other flowers since they see colors on the ultraviolet spectrum; 

    Butterflies are attracted to red, orange, yellow, and pink; Hummingbirds like the red, orange, and purple-red flowers.

-  Diversity of plants is important. Choose flowers in a variety of shapes and sizes to benefit all pollinators and plan your garden to  

    have continuous bloom from spring through fall. Choose 3 different plant species for each season.

-  Plant flowers in groups. Clusters or swaths of same flowers attract more pollinators. Ideally, groupings 3 feet or more in

    diameter for each plant type is best. Planting 3-5 of each plant is a good start. And many native plants will reseed, giving you more plants

    as your garden matures.

-  Include host plants for butterfly larvae. Plants, trees, and shrubs offer food for developing caterpillars. Many butterfly

    caterpillars require specific host plants.

-  And don't forget to provide water and shelter. A dead limb or log on the ground can provide shelter. A shallow dish of wet

    stones or mud provides a source of water and nutrients. Some bare spots of soil help ground nesting bees.  Leaf litter and clump grasses  

    provide for bumblebees and butterflies. Leaf litter is especially important for overwintering queen bumblebees and butterflies. 

    Monarchs, Painted and American Lady butterflies migrate in fall. The majority of butterflies/moths overwinter here as either pupa, larvae or adults.