Selecting Plants for Pollinators
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Selecting
Plants
for
Pollinators
A Regional Guide for Farmers, Land Managers, and Gardeners In the
Eastern
Broadleaf
Forest
Continental
Province
Including the states of:
Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky,
Tennessee
and parts of:
Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa,
Michigan, Minnesota,
Missouri, New York, Ohio,
and Oklahoma, Pennsylvania,
NAPPC WisconsinTable of CONTE NTS
Wh y Suppor t Polli nator s? 4
Ge tti ng Star te d 5
E aste r n Br oadle af For e st 6
Me e t th e Polli nator s 8
Pl ant Tr ai ts 10
De ve lopi ng Pl anti ngs 12
Far ms 13
Public L ands 14
Home L andscape s 15
Bloom Pe r iods 16
Pl ants Th at Attr act Polli nator s 18
H abi tat H i nts 20
Ch e ck li st 22
This is one of several guides for
R e sour ce s and Fe e dback 23
different regions in the United
States. We welcome your feedback
to assist us in making the future
guides useful. Please contact us at
feedback@pollinator.org
Cover barn photo by Tim Dunne
2 S e l e c t i n g P l a n t s f or P ol l i n ator sSe le cti ng Pl ants for Polli nator s
A Regional Guide for
Farmers, Land Managers,
and Gardeners
In the
Ecological Region of the
Eastern Broadleaf Forest
Continental Province
Including the states of:
Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee
and parts of:
Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
a nappc and Pollinator Partnership™ Publication
This guide was funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the C.S. Fund, the Plant Conservation Alliance,
the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management with oversight by the Pollinator Partnership™
(www.pollinator.org), in support of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC–www.nappc.org).
Easter n Broadleaf For est, Continental Province 3W h y s u p p or t p ol l i n ator s ?
“ Far mi ng fe e ds
In their 1996 book, The Forgotten Pollinators, Buchmann and
Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction
of 90% of flowering plants and one third of human food crops. Each of us
depends on these industrious pollinators in a practical way to provide us
with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the
intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems
th e wor ld, and
that helps sustain our quality of life.
Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve fruit set we must r e me mbe r
and quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases
production per acre. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife food
sources increase.
th at polli nator s
Alfalfa, melons, soybeans, and tomatoes are some of the crops raised in
the Eastern Broadleaf Forest that rely on honey bees and native bees for
pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate approximately $10 billion ar e a cr i tical
worth of crops in the U.S. each year.
Unfortunately, the numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated
bee populations are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss,
li nk i n our food
disease, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides. The loss of
”
commercial bees to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has highlighted how
severe the issues of proper hive management are to reduce stresses caused sy ste ms.
by disease, pesticide use, insufficient nutrition, and transportation practices.
-- Paul Growald,
Currently, the pollination services that the commercial beekeeping industry
provides are receiving much needed research and conservation resources. Co-Founder,
The efforts to understand the threats to commercial bees should help us Pollinator partnership
understand other pollinators and their roles in the environment as well.
It is imperative that we take immediate steps to help pollinator populations
thrive. The beauty of the situation is that by supporting pollinators’ need
for habitat, we support our own needs for food and support diversity in the
natural world.
Thank you for taking time to consult this guide. By adding plants to your
landscape that provide food and shelter for pollinators throughout their
active seasons and by adopting pollinator friendly landscape practices, you
can make a difference to both the pollinators and the people that rely on them.
Laurie Davies Adams
Executive Director
Pollinator Partnership
4 S e l e c t i n g P l a n t s f or P ol l i n ator sG e t t i n g S ta r t e d This regional guide is just one throughout large areas. This guide black oak, bitternut hickory, and in a series of plant selection tools addresses pollinator-friendly land shagbark hickory, with generally a designed to provide information management practices in what is well-developed understory. on how individuals can influence known as the Eastern Broadleaf This province has been subject pollinator populations through Forest, Continental Province. to intense timber harvesting and choices they make when they farm Portions of fifteen states make up farming practices for the past a plot of ground, manage large the 270,000 square miles of this thousand years, particularly during tracts of public land, or plant a province with elevations ranging the mid-nineteenth century. Much garden. Each of us can have a from 80 to 1,650 feet. The varied of the original vegetation no positive impact by providing the topography primarily includes areas longer remains, which has in turn essential habitat requirements for of lo rolling hills, dissected plateaus, diminished the original abundance pollinators including food, water, and basins found in Tennessee and of pollinators shelter, and enough space to allow Kentucky, but also includes areas Long before there were homes pollinators to raise their young. that are nearly flat. Average annual and farms in this area, the original, Pollinators travel through the temperatures vary considerably natural vegetation provided landscape without regard to from south (65°F) to north (40°F). continuous cover and adjacent property ownership or state This province is characterized by feeding opportunities for wildlife, boundaries. We’ve chosen to use broadleaf deciduous forest, and including pollinators. In choosing R.G. Bailey’s classification system sets itself apart as the only province plants, aim to create habitat for to identify the geographic focus with an abundance of both oak and pollinators that allow adequate food, of this guide and to underscore hickory trees. Northern parts of the shelter, and water sources. Most the connections between climate oak-hickory forest, from central pollinators have very small home and vegetation types that affect Minnesota south through Wisconsin ranges. You can make a difference the diversity of pollinators in the and northeastern Iowa, include by understanding the vegetation environment. maple, beech, and basswood. This patterns on the farm, forest, or Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United forest is medium-tall to tall and neighbor’s yard adjacent to you States, developed by the United ranges from savannah-like in the and by making planting choices States Forest Service, is a system north, to eastern Oklahoma to that support the pollinators’ need created as a management tool Minnesota, where it gradually for food and shelter as they move and is used to predict responses becomes prairie. Dominant through the landscape. to land management practices trees include white oak, red oak, Easter n Broadleaf For est, Continental Province 5
U n d e r s ta n d i n g
F OR T H E E A S T E R N B R OA D L E A F F OR E S T, Con t i n e n ta l P R OV I N C E
n This region is designated number 222 in the Baileys’
Ecosystem Provinces. To see a map of the provinces go to:
www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecoreg1_provinces.html
n Not sure about which bioregion you live or work in? Go to
www.pollinator.org and click on Ecoregion Locator for help.
n 270,000 square miles within 15 states.
n Low rolling hills, dissected plateaus, and basins, or nearly flat
in parts.
n Elevations ranging from 80 to 1,650 feet.
n Average annual temperature ranges from 40°F in the north
to 65°F in the south.
n Average year round precipitation between 20-50 inches.
n USDA Hardiness Zones 2b-7bc.
Ch ar acte r i stics
n Dominated by broadleaf deciduous forest, primarily oak and
hickory, both found in abundance.
n Well-developed understory, often with flowering dogwood,
sassafras, and hophornbeam.
n Distinct shrub layer, with some evergreens.
n Many wildflower species.
6 S e l e c t i n g P l a n t s f or P ol l i n ator s“ Addi ng nati ve pl anti ngs i n r i par i an ar e as
The Eastern Broadleaf Forest,
Continental Province includes:
Illinois
Indiana to i mpr ove polli nator h abi tat mak e s
Kentucky
Tennessee se nse i n advanci ng our fa mi ly far m’s
and parts of:
Alabama conse rvation and e conomic obje cti ve s,
Arkansas
Iowa e nh anci ng be ne fi ci al wi ldli fe and
Michigan
Minnesota i mpr ovi ng polli nation i n our or ch ar d
Missouri
New York
Ohio
and gar de n. ”
Oklahoma --Lee McDaniel, Farmer and President,
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin National Association of Conservation Districts
Easter n Broadleaf For est, Continental Province 7Me e t t h e P ol l i n at or s
Who ar e the Solitary bees include carpenter bees
(Xylocopa spp.), which nest in wood;
p ol l i n ator s ? digger, or polyester bees (Colletes
spp.), which nest underground;
Bees leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.),
Bees are the best documented which prefer dead trees or branches
pollinators in the natural and for their nest sites; and mason bees
agricultural landscapes of the (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities
Eastern Broadleaf Forest. A wide that they find in stems and dead
range of crops including alfalfa, wood. Cactus bees (Diadasia spp.)
melons, soybeans, and tomatoes are are also solitary ground nesters.
just a few plants that benefit from
bee pollinators.
B u t te r fl i e s
Most of us are familiar with the Gardeners have been attracting
colonies of honey bees that have butterflies to their gardens for
Photo courtesy of Tim Dunne
been the workhorses of agricultural some time. These insects tend to
pollination for years in the United be eye-catching, as are the flowers
States. They were imported from that attract them. Position flowering
Europe almost 400 years ago. plants where they have full sun and
There are nearly 4000 species of are protected from the wind. Also,
native ground and twig nesting bees you will need to provide open areas
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a in the U.S. Some form colonies (e.g. bare earth, large stones) where
species frequently seen in the while others live and work a solitary butterflies may bask, and moist soil
Eastern Broadleaf Forest. life. Native bees currently pollinate from which they may get needed
many crops and can be encouraged minerals. By providing a safe place
to do more to support agricultural to eat and nest, gardeners can also
endeavors if their needs for nesting support the pollination role that
habitat are met and if suitable butterflies play in the landscape. It
sources of nectar, pollen, and water might mean accepting slight damage
are provided. Bees have tongues of to the plants, known as host plants,
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on varying lengths that help determine that provide food for the larval stage
Ironweed in Ohio. which flowers they can obtain nectar of the butterfly.
and pollen from. A diverse group of butterflies
The bumble bee (Bombus spp.) forms are present in garden areas and
small colonies, usually underground. woodland edges that provide bright
They are generalists, feeding on a flowers, water sources, and specific
Photo courtesy of Lara Roketenetz
wide range of plant material from host plants. Numerous trees, shrubs,
February to November and are and herbaceous plants support
important pollinators of tomatoes. butterfly populations.
The sweat bee (family Halictidae) Butterflies are in the Order
nests underground. Various species Lepidoptera. Some of the species in
are solitary while others form loose the Eastern Broadleaf Forest are
colonies.
8 S e l e c t i n g P l a n t s f or P ol l i n ator sBrush-footed, Gossamer-winged, beetles do play a role in pollination. members of the carrot family like
Swallowtail, Parnassian, Skipper, Some have a bad reputation Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota).
White, Sulphur and Milkweed because they can leave a mess
butterflies. They usually look for behind, damaging plant parts that
flowers that provide a good landing they eat. Beetles are not as efficient Birds
platform. as some pollinators. They wander Hummingbirds are the primary
between different species, often birds which play a role in
Wet mud areas provide butterflies
dropping pollen as they go. pollination in North America. Their
with both the moisture and
long beaks and tongues draw nectar
minerals they need to stay healthy. Beetle pollinated plants tend to be
from tubular flowers. Pollen is
Butterflies eat rotten fruit and even large, strong scented flowers with
carried on both the beaks and
dung, so don’t clean up all the their sexual organs exposed. They
feathers of different hummingbirds.
messes in your garden! are known to pollinate Magnolia,
The regions closer to the tropics,
sweetshrub (Calycanthus), paw
with warmer climates, boast the
paws, and yellow pond lilies.
largest number of hummingbird
Moth s
species and the greatest number of
Moths are most easily distinguished
native plants to support the bird’s
from butterflies by their antennae. Flies
need for food. White-winged doves
Butterfly antennae are simple with a It may be hard to imagine why one
(Zenaida asiatica) are also pollinators
swelling at the end. Moth antennae would want to attract flies to the
of the saguaro cactus (Carnegeia
differ from simple to featherlike, garden. However, like beetles, the
gigantea) in the south central United
but never have a swelling at the number of fly species and the fact
States.
tip. In addition, butterflies typically that flies are generalist pollinators
are active during the day; moths at (visit many species of plants), Bright colored tubular flowers
night. Butterfly bodies are not very should encourage us all to leave attract hummingbirds to gardens
hairy, while moth bodies are quite those flies alone and let them do throughout the United States.
hairy and more stout. their job as pollinators. Hummingbirds can see the color
red; bees cannot. Many tropical
Moths, generally less colorful Recent research indicates that flies
flowers, grown as annuals in the
than butterflies, also play a role primarily pollinate small flowers
Eastern Broadleaf Forest, along
in pollination. They are attracted that bloom under shade and in
with native woodland edge plants,
to flowers that are strongly sweet seasonally moist habitats. The
attract hummingbirds.
smelling, open in late afternoon or National Research Council’s Status
night, and are typically white or of Pollinators in North America study
pale colored. states that flies are economically
B ats
important as pollinators for a range
B e e tl e s Though bats in the Eastern
of annual and bulbous ornamental
Over 30,000 species of beetles Broadleaf Forest are not pollinators,
flowers.
are found in the United States bats play an important role in
and many of them can be found Plants pollinated by the fly pollination in the southwest where
on flower heads. Gardeners have include the American pawpaw they feed on agave and cactus. The
yet to intentionally draw beetles (Asimina triloba), dead horse arum long-nosed bats’ head shape and
to their gardens, possibly because (Helicodiceros muscivorus), skunk long tongue allows it to delve into
beetle watching isn’t as inspiring cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), flower blossoms and extract both
as butterfly or bird watching. Yet goldenrod (Solidago spp.), and pollen and nectar.
Easter n Broadleaf For est, Continental Province 9Plant Tr aits
Plant
Trait Bats Bees Beetles
W h i c h F l ow e r s
Do the
P ol l i n at or s Bright white,
pr efer ? Dull white, green Dull white or
Color or purple
yellow,
green
Not all pollinators are found
blue, or UV
in each North American province,
and some are more important
in different parts of the United
States. Use this page as a resource
Nectar Absent Present Absent
to understand the plants and guides
pollinators where you live.
Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly
Plants can be grouped together
based on the similar characteristics
Odor emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid
of their flowers. These floral
characteristics can be useful to
predict the type of pollination Abundant; Sometimes
method or animal that is most Nectar somewhat Usually present present;
effective for that group of plants. hidden not hidden
This association between floral
characteristics and pollination
method is called a pollination Limited; often
syndrome.
Pollen Ample sticky Ample
and scented
The interactions of animal
pollinators and plants have
influenced the evolution of both
groups of organisms. A mutualistic Regular; bowl Shallow; have
relationship between the pollinator Flower shaped – closed landing platform;
Large bowl-like,
and the plant species helps the
pollinator find necessary pollen and
Shape during day tubular
Magnolia
nectar sources and helps the plant
reproduce by ensuring that pollen is
carried from one flower to another. This chart and more information on pollinator syndromes can be found at:
10 S e l e c t i n g P l a n t s f or P ol l i n ator sa n d t h e P ol l i n ator s t h e y At t r a c t
Pollinator
Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind
Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, or
Scarlet, orange,
Bright, including dark brown or purple; Pale and dull red, colorless;
red
red and purple flecked with translucent purple, pink or white petals absent
or white
patches or reduced
Absent Present Absent Absent Absent
Strong sweet;
None Faint but fresh Putrid None
emitted at night
Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply
Usually absent None
hidden hidden hidden
Abundant; small,
Modest Limited Modest in amount Limited
smooth, and not sticky
Large funnel Narrow tube with
Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and
like; cups, strong spur; wide
complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted
perch support landing pad
http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml
Easter n Broadleaf For est, Continental Province 11D e v e l op i n g l a n d s c a p e p l a n t i n g s
t h at p r ov i d e p ol l i n ator h a b i tat
Whether you are a farmer not native, are very good for by butterflies during their larval
of many acres, land manager of a pollinators. Mint, oregano, garlic, development.
large tract of land, or a gardener chives, parsley and lavender are
with a small lot, you can increase just a few herbs that can be planted. Wate r :
the number of pollinators in your Old fashioned zinnias, cosmos, and A clean, reliable source of water is
area by making conscious choices to single sunflowers support bees and essential to pollinators.
include plants that provide essential butterflies. • Natural and human-made water
habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, • Recognize weeds that might be a features such as running water,
beetles, hummingbirds and other good source of food. For example, pools, ponds, and small containers
pollinators. dandelions provide nectar in the of water provide drinking and
early spring before other flowers bathing opportunities for pollinators.
open. Plantain is alternate host for • Ensure the water sources have
F ood :
the Baltimore Checkerspot. a shallow or sloping side so the
Flowers provide nectar (high in
• Learn and utilize Integrated Pest pollinators can easily approach the
sugar and necessary amino acids)
Management (IPM) practices to water without drowning.
and pollen (high in protein) to
address pest concerns. Minimize or
pollinators.
eliminate the use of pesticides. Your current landscape probably
Fermenting fallen fruits also provide
food for bees, beetles and butterflies. includes many of these elements.
Specific plants, known as host Observe wildlife activity in your farm
plants, are eaten by the larvae of Sh e lte r : fields, woodlands, and gardens to
pollinators such as butterflies. Pollinators need protection from determine what actions you can take
• Plant in groups to increase severe weather and from predators to encourage other pollinators to feed
pollination efficiency. If a pollinator as well as sites for nesting and and nest. Evaluate the placement of
can visit the same type of flower roosting. individual plants and water sources
over and over, it doesn’t have to • Incorporate different canopy and use your knowledge of specific
relearn how to enter the flower layers in the landscape by planting pollinator needs to guide your choice
and can transfer pollen to the same trees, shrubs, and different-sized and placement of additional plants
species, instead of squandering the perennial plants. and other habitat elements. Minor
pollen on unreceptive flowers. • Leave dead snags for nesting sites changes by many individuals can
• Plant with bloom season in mind, of bees, and other dead plants and positively impact the pollinator
providing food from early spring to leaf litter for shelter. populations in your area. Watch
late fall. (see Bloom Periods pp.16-17) • Build bee boxes to encourage for - and enjoy - the changes in your
• Plant a diversity of plants to solitary, non-aggressive bees to nest landscape!
support a variety of pollinators. on your property.
Flowers of different color, • Leave some areas of soil uncovered • CAUTION: Remember that
fragrance, and season of bloom to provide ground nesting insects pesticides are largely toxic to
on plants of different heights will easy access to underground tunnels. pollinators. Extreme caution is
attract different pollinator species • Group plantings so that pollinators warranted if you choose to use
and provide pollen and nectar can move safely through the any pesticide. Strategically apply
throughout the seasons. landscape protected from predators. pesticides only for problematic
• Many herbs and annuals, although • Include plants that are needed target species.
12 S e l e c t i n g P l a n t s f or P ol l i n ator sFa r ms
Soybean, alfalfa, melons, apples, weeds can provide needed food for
and tomatoes are a few of the food
crops in the Eastern Broadleaf
pollinators.
• Minimize tillage to protect ground
“ food suppli e s for
Forest that will benefit from strong nesting pollinators.
native bee populations that boost • Ensure water sources are scattered
throughout the landscape.
be e s ar e cr i tical
pollination efficiency. Incorporate
different plants throughout the • Choose a variety of native plants to
farm that provide food for native act as windbreaks, riparian buffers,
populations when targeted crops and field borders throughout the to mai ntai ni ng
are not in flower. farm.
• Plant unused areas of the farm
Farmers have many opportunities with temporary cover crops that str ong h i ve s
to incorporate pollinator-friendly can provide food or with a variety
land management practices on their of trees, shrubs, and flowers that
land which will benefit the farmer provide both food and shelter for
pollinators.
for almond
in achieving his or her production
goals: • Check with your local Natural
• Manage the use of pesticides Resources Conservation Service
to reduce the impact on native (NRCS) office to see what technical polli nation
pollinators. Spray when bees aren’t and financial support might be
active (just after dawn) and choose available to assist you in your effort to
targeted ingredients. provide nectar, pollen, and larval food th e followi ng
• Carefully consider the use of sources for pollinators on your farm.
herbicides. Perhaps the targeted
wi nte r . ”
-- Dan Cummings,
Chico, California
almond grower.
Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert
Easter n Broadleaf For est, Continental Province 13Public Lands
“ Fr om
h ummi ngbi r ds
to be e tle s, to
butte r fl i e s,
natur e ’s
polli nator s h e lp
k e e p Mi de wi n’s
Tallgr ass pr ai r i e
Public lands are maintained for In an effort to increase populations
r e stor ations specific reasons ranging from high of pollinators the land manager can:
impact recreation to conservation. • Inventory and become
In the Eastern Broadleaf Forest, knowledgeable of local pollinators.
full of di ve r se
forests have been cut to allow • Provide connectivity between
for roads, buildings, open lawn vegetation areas by creating
fl owe r i ng areas, boat ramps, and vistas. Less corridors of perennials, shrubs, and
disturbed natural areas can be trees that provide pollinators shelter
pl ants. I nse ct augmented with plantings of native and food as they move through the
plant species. Existing plantings landscape.
moni tor i ng around buildings and parking areas • Maintain a minimum of lawn areas
should be evaluated to determine that support recreational needs.
if pollinator-friendly plants can • Restrict the use of pesticides and
pr ovi de s a k e y
be substituted or added to attract herbicides.
and support pollinators. Public • Provide water sources in large
me asur e of our land managers have a unique open areas.
opportunity to use their plantings • Maintain natural meadows and
succe ss. ” as an education tool to help others
understand the importance of
openings that provide habitats for
sun-loving wildflowers and grasses.
-- Logan Lee
pollinators in the environment • Remove invasive species and
Prairie Supervisor, Midewin through signs, brochures, and public encroaching shrubs and trees.
National Tallgrass Prairie programs.
14 S e l e c t i n g P l a n t s f or P ol l i n ator sH ome L a n d s c a p e s
“ A gar de n i s
Gardeners have a wide array of The scale of your plantings will vary
plants to use in their gardens. but it is important to remember
Native plants, plants introduced that you are trying to provide
only as r ich and from years of plant exploration connectivity to the landscape
from around the world, and plants adjacent to your property. Don’t
be auti ful as th e developed by professional and just look within your property
amateur breeders can be found in boundaries. If your neighbor’s
garden centers, in catalogs, and on property provides an essential
i nte gr al h e alth
web-sites. Use your knowledge element, such as water, which can
of pollinator needs to guide your be utilized by pollinators visiting
of th e sy ste m; choices. your land, you may be able to
• Choose a variety of plants that devote more space to habitat
polli nator s will provide nectar and pollen elements that are missing nearby.
throughout the growing season. It is best to use native plants which
ar e e sse nti al to • Resist the urge to have a totally have evolved to support the needs
manicured lawn and garden. Leave of specific native pollinators. Some
th e sy ste m - mak e bare ground for ground nesting pollinators, however, are generalists
bees. Leave areas of dead wood and and visit many different plants, both
your home th e i r leaf litter for other insects. native and non-native. Be sure that
• Strive to eliminate the use of all any non-native plants you choose
home . ” pesticides.
• Find local resources to help you
to use are not invasive. Remember
that specialized cultivars sometimes
-- Derry MacBride in your efforts. Contact your local aren’t used by pollinators. Flowers
National Affairs and county extension agent or native that have been drastically altered,
plant society. Visit your regional such as those that are double or
legislation Chairwoman,
botanic gardens and arboreta. a completely different color than
garden club of America the wild species, often prevent
pollinators from finding and feeding
on the flowers. In addition, some
altered plants don’t contain the same
nectar and pollen resources that
attract pollinators to the wild types.
• CAUTION: Take time to evaluate
the source of your plant material.
You want to ensure you get plants
that are healthy and correctly
identified. Your local native plant
society can help you make informed
decisions when searching for plants.
Easter n Broadleaf For est, Continental Province 15B L O OM P E R I OD S
F OR T H E E A S T E R N B R OA D L E A F F OR E S T, Con t i n e n ta l P R OV I N C E
The following chart lists plants and the time they are in bloom throughout the growing seasons. Choose a variety of flower colors and make sure
something is blooming at all times! Note for all charts: When more than one species of the same genus is useful, the genus name is followed by “spp.”
Botanical Common March April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Name Name
Trees & Shrubs
red, red,
Acer spp. Maples greenish greenish
yellow yellow
Amelanchier spp. service berry white white
Aronia melanocarpa black chokeberry white white
Catalpa speciosa northern catalpa white white white
pink to pink to
Cercis canadensis eastern redbud
lavender lavender
Cornus spp. dogwood white white white
yellow yellow yellow
Lindera benzoin spicebush
green green green
Physocarpus opulifolius eastern ninebark white white white
Prunus pensylvanica black cherry white white
yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow
Rhus spp. sumacs
green green green green green
yellow yellow yellow yellow
Salix spp. willows
green green green green
Sambucus spp. elderberry white white white
yellow yellow yellow yellow
Sassafras albidum sassafras
green green green green
yellow yellow yellow
Tilia americana basswood
white white white
white to white to white to white to
Vaccinium spp. blueberry
pink pink pink pink
Viburnum spp. viburnum white white white white
Perennial Flowers
red with red with red with
Aquilegia canadensis red columbine
yellow yellow yellow
white, white, white, white, white,
Erigeron spp. daisy fleabanes
yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow
Erythronium
trout lily yellow yellow yellow
americanum
pink to pink to pink to
Eupatorium spp. joe-pye-weed
lavender lavender lavender
blue, blue, blue,
Gentiana spp. gentians
violet violet violet
Helianthus spp. sunflowers yellow yellow yellow yellow
Sanguinaria canadensis bloodroot white white white
16 S e l e c t i n g P l a n t s f or P ol l i n ator sBotanical Common March April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Name Name
white, white, white, white,
Viola spp. violets blue, blue, blue, blue,
yellow yellow yellow yellow
Perennial Flowers continued
red,
Coreopsis spp. tickseed yellow yellow yellow blue, red, blue red blue
yellow
blue, blue, blue,
Iris spp. iris yellow, yellow, yellow,
white white white
white, white, white,
Lobellia spp. lobelia blue, blue, blue,
yellow yellow yellow
red, red, red,
lavender, lavender, lavender,
Monarda spp. beebalm
pinkish pinkish pinkish
blue blue blue
Packera spp. ragworts yellow yellow yellow
white, white, white,
Penstemon spp. beardtongue light light light
violet violet violet
white, white, white, white,
light light light light
Phlox spp. phlox
blue, blue, blue, blue,
pink pink pink pink
black-eyed yellow, yellow, yellow, yellow,
Rudbeckia spp.
Susans brown brown brown brown
Solidago spp. goldenrods yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow
Symphyotrichum spp. aster purple purple purple purple
violet, violet, violet,
Tradescantia virginiana spiderworts
purple purple purple
purple, purple, purple,
white, white, white,
Trillium spp. trillium greenish greenish greenish
white, white, white,
dark red dark red dark red
Vines
orange- orange- orange- orange- orange-
Campsis radicans trumpet creeper
red red red red red
Clematis virginiana virgin’s bower white white
trumpet orange- orange- orange-
Lonicera sempervirens
honeysuckle red, red red, red red, red
Parthenocissus greenish greenish
Virginia creeper
quinquefolia white white
greenish greenish
Vitis spp. grapes
yellow yellow
Easter n Broadleaf For est, Continental Province 17P l a n t s t h at at t r a c t p ol l i n ator s
in THE E A S T E R N B R OA D L E A F F OR E S T, Con t i n e n ta l P R OV I N C E
The following chart lists plants that attract pollinators. It is not exhaustive, but provides guidance on where to start.
Annuals, herbs, weeds, and cover crops provide food and shelter for pollinators, too.
Flower Visitation by lso a host
Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Sun Soil plant. See
Season Pollinators pgs 20-21
Trees & Shrubs
red,
sun to partial
Acer spp. Maples greenish 40-70’ Mar-Apr dry to wet bees X
shade
yellow
sun to partial moist, well
Amelanchier spp. service berry white 6-40’ Mar-Apr bees, flies X
shade drained
Aronia melanocarpa black chokeberry white 6-7’ May-June sun to partial sun dry to moist bees, beetles, flies X
sun to partial moist, well
Catalpa speciosa northern catalpa white 60-80’ May-July bees, moths X
shade drained
pink to sun to partial moist, well
Cercis canadensis eastern redbud 10-30’ Apr-May bees X
lavender shade drained
bees, beetles, flies,
Cornus alternifolia dogwood white 6-18’ Apr-July sun to shade dry to wet X
butterflies
yellow
Lindera benzoin spicebush 4-6’ Mar-May sun to shade moist butterflies X
green
Physocarpus sun to partial
eastern ninebark white 6-8” May-June dry to wet bees, butterflies X
opulifolius shade
dry to moist,
Prunus pensylvanica pin cherry white 25-40’ May-June sun bees X
well drained
yellow sun to partial dry to moist,
Rhus aromatica aromatic sumac 4-6’ Apr-May butterflies, bees X
green shade well drained
yellow
Salix nigra black willow 12-50’ Apr-June sun to shade moist to wet bees, X
green
sun to partial
Sambucus racemosa red elderberry white 5-7’ May-June dry to wet bees, beetles, flies X
shade
yellow sun to partial
Sassafras albidum sassafras 35-60’ Mar-June dry to wet flies X
green shade
yellow sun to partial moist, well
Tilia americana basswood 80’+ Apr-June bees, flies, moths X
white shade drained
Vaccinium white to sun to partial dry to moist,
cranberry 1-4” Apr-June bees X
macrocarpon pink shade well drained
Viburnum dry to moist,
black haw white 5-12’ Apr-June sun to shade flies, beetles X
prunifolium well drained
Perennial Flowers
shade to partial
Actaea racemosa black cohosh white 36-60” June-July moist bees, flies X
sun
red with partial shade moist, well
Aquilegia canadensis red columbine 12-36” Apr-July hummingbirds, bees X
yellow to sun drained
sun to partial bees, beetles, flies,
Asclepias hirtella green milkweed green 12-48” June-Aug dry to wet X
shade butterflies
Coreopsis spp. tickseeds yellow 12-30” May-Aug sun to partial sun moist to dry bees, butterflies
white, bees, butterflies,
Erigeron spp. daisy fleabanes 18-30’ May-Sept partial sun to sun moist to wet X
yellow moths
Erythronium
yellow trout lily yellow 3-6” Apr-June shade moist bees
americanum
18 S e l e c t i n g P l a n t s f or P ol l i n ator sFlower Visitation by lso a host
Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Sun Soil plant. See
Season Pollinators pgs 20-21
Perennial Flowers continued
Eupatorium sweet scented joe-pye- pink to partial shade bees, butterflies,
24-72” July-Aug moist to wet X
purpureum weed lavender to sun moths
creamy
Gentiana alba plain gentian 24-36” Aug-Oct partial sun to sun moist bees X
white
yellow, sun to partial bees, wasps, flies,
Helenium autumnale sneezeweed 36-60” July-Sept moist to wet X
brown shade butterflies
bees, bee flies,
Helianthus hirsutus hairy sunflower yellow 48-60” July-Sept sun to partial sun moist to wet wasps, beetles, and X
butterflies
yellow- sun to partial
Heuchera americana alumroot 12-24” May-July moist to dry bees
green shade
blue,
Iris virginica sun to partial
Shreve’s iris yellow, 12-36” May-July wet to moist bees
var. shrevei shade
white
pinkish bees, butterflies,
Liatris spicata blazing star 24-48” June-July sun to partial sun moist to wet X
purple hummingbirds
sun to partial
Lobellia cardinalis cardinal flower red 24-60” Aug-Oct moist to wet bees, hummingbirds
shade
partial sun to bees, butterflies,
Mertensia virginica Virginia bluebells light blue 14-20” May-July moist X
shade moths, hummingbirds
pinkish sun to partial
Monarda punctata spotted beebalm 6-36” May-Sept moist bees, butterflies X
white shade
bees, flies, butterflies,
Packera plattensis prairie groundsel yellow 12-24” May-July sun to shade moist to wet
moths
white, light sun to partial bees, wasps,
Penstemon pallidus pale beardtongue 12-36” May-July moist X
violet shade butterflies
white, light
Phlox bifida cleft phlox 4-12” Apr-May sun to partial sun moist bees, butterflies
blue, pink
partial sun to bees, butterflies,
Polemonium reptans Jacob’s ladder light blue 10-16” May-June moist
partial shade moths
yellow, sun to partial bees, butterflies,
Rudbeckia laciniata cutleaf coneflower 20-120” June-Sept moist to dry X
brown shade beetles, wasps
bees, butterflies,
Solidago speciosa showy goldenrod yellow 12-72” June-Oct sun to shade moist to dry
beetles, wasps
Symphyotrichum bees, butterflies,
heath aster white 6-36’ Aug-Oct sun to partial sun moist to wet X
ericoides beetles, wasps
Tiarella cordifolia foamflower white 4-14” Apr-May sun to shade moist bees, bee flies
Tradescantia violet,
spiderworts 12-24” Apr-July sun to shade moist bees
virginiana purple
partial sun to
Trillium flexipes nodding wake robin white 8-16” Apr-May moist beetles, flies, bees
partial shade
Vines
Campsis radicans trumpet creeper orange-red 40’+ June-Oct sun to partial sun dry to moist hummingbirds, bees X
Clematis virginiana virgin’s bower white 9’ July-Aug sun to partial sun moist flies, bees
Lonicera orange-red, moist, well
trumpet honeysuckle 20’+ June-Aug sun to partial sun hummingbirds X
sempervirens red drained
Parthenocissus greenish
Virginia creeper 50’+ May-June sun to shade any bees X
quinquefolia white
greenish moist, well
Vitis aestivalis summer grape 60’+ May-June sun to partial sun bees X
yellow drained
Easter n Broadleaf For est, Continental Province 19H a b i tat H i n t s
F OR T H E E A S T E R N B R OA D L E A F F OR E S T, Con t i n t e n ta l P R OV I N C E
HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR BEE-POLLINATED GARDEN FLOWERS AND CROPS
Lg Sm Squash/ Yellow-
Bumble Digger Leafcutter Mason Sweat Plasterer Andrenid
Carpenter Carpenter Gourd faced
F lowers
Catalpa x
Catnip x x x
Clover x x
Columbine x
Cow parsley x
Goldenrod x x x x
Impatiens x
Irises x x
Lavender x x x x
Milkwort x
Morning glory x
Penstemon x x x
Passion flowers x
Phacelia x x x x x x x x
Potentilla x
Rose x x x x x
Salvia x x x x x
Saxifrages x x
Sorrel x
Sunflowers x x x x x x x x
Violet x x
Wild Mustard x x
Willow catkins x x
C rops
Almond x x x
Apple x
Blueberry x x x
Cherry x x
Eggplant x x x
Gooseberry x x
Legumes x x x x
Water melon x x
Squash/
Pumpkins/ x x
Gourds
Tomatoes x x x x
Thyme x x x x x
20 S e l e c t i n g P l a n t s f or P ol l i n ator sH a b i tat a n d N e s t i n g r e qu i r e me n t s :
Bumble Bees:
Abandoned mouse nests, other rodent burrows, upside down flower pots, under boards,
and other human-made cavities. Colonies are founded by a queen in the spring and
don’t die out in the fall. New queens mate then and overwinter in a sort of hibernation.
Bumble bees are usually active during the morning hours and forage at colder
temperatures than honey bees, even flying in light rain.
Large carpenter bees:
Soft dead wood, poplar, cottonwood or willow trunks and limbs, structural timbers
including redwood. Depending on the species, there may be one or two brood cycles per
year. These bees can be active all day even in the hottest weather.
Digger bees:
Sandy soil, compacted soils, bank sides. Anthophorid bees (now in the Apidae) are usually
active in the morning hours, but can be seen at other times.
Small carpenter bees:
Pithy stems including roses and blackberry canes. These bees are more active in the
morning but can be found at other times.
Squash and Gourd bees:
“ MONAR CH
Sandy soil, may nest in gardens (where pumpkins, squash and gourds are grown) or
pathways. These bees are early risers and can be found in pumpkin patches before dawn.
BUTTE R FLI E S
Males often sleep in the wilted flowers.
Leafcutter bees:
NE VE R FAI L TO
Pre-existing circular tunnels of various diameters in dead but sound wood created by
emerging beetles, some nest in the ground. Leave dead limbs and trees to support not CATCH TH E
just pollinators but other wildlife. Leafcutter bees can be seen foraging throughout the
day even in hot weather.
VI SI TOR’S E Y E
Mason bees:
Pre-existing tunnels, various diameters in dead wood made by emerging beetles, or
human-made nesting substrates, drilled wood boards, paper soda straws inserted into
AND ALWAY S
cans attached to buildings. Mason bees are generally more active in the morning hours.
LE AD TO
Sweat bees:
Bare ground, compacted soil, sunny areas not covered by vegetation. Like most bees,
sweat bees forage for pollen earlier in the morning and then for nectar later. A TE ACH ABLE
Plasterer or cellophane bees:
Bare ground, banks or cliffs. Colletid bees can be active in the morning or later in the day. MOME NT. ”
Yellow-faced bees:
-- LOGAN LEE,
In dead stems. These bees are more active during morning hours.
PRAIRIE SUPERVISOR
Andrenid bees:
Sunny, bare ground, sand soil, under leaf litter or in soil in banksides and cliffs. These MIDEWIN NATIONAL
generally spring-active bees are most commonly seen on flowers during the morning
when pollen and nectar resources are abundant. TALLGRASS PRAIRIE
Easter n Broadleaf For est, Continental Province 21A B a si c Ch e ck l i st
B e come fa mi l i ar wi th p ol l i nator s
i n you r l and scape .
n Watch for activity throughout the day and the seasons.
n Keep a simple notebook of when and what comes to your garden.
NOTE: It is not necessary to identify each species when you first
get started. Simply note if it is a bee that likes the yellow flower that
blooms in the fall.
n Consult a local field guide or web site when you are ready to
learn more details.
Add nati ve pl ants to at tr act mor e
nati ve p ol l i nator s.
n List the plants you currently have in your landscape.
n Determine when you need additional flowers to provide nectar and
pollen throughout the growing season.
n Add plants that provide additional seasons of bloom, create variable
heights for shelter, and attract the types of pollinators you want.
n Don’t forget to include host plants that provide food and shelter for
larval development.
n Contact your local native plant society or extension agent for more
help.
U se p ol l i nator f r i e ndly l and scape
pr acti ce s to su pp or t th e
p ol l i nator s you at tr act.
n Use Integrated Pest Management Practices to address pest concerns.
n Tolerate a little mess – leave dead snags and leaf litter, keep areas bare
for ground nesting insects, and leave some weeds that provide food for
pollinators.
n Provide safe access to clean water.
Noti ce th e ch ange s
th at you h ave h e l pe d to cr e ate !
22 S e l e c t i n g P l a n t s f or P ol l i n ator sR e s ou r c e s
Many books, websites, and people Nati ve Pl ants Butte r fl i e s and Moth s
were consulted to gather information
for this guide. Use this list as a Opler, Paul A., Harry Pavulaan,
Plant Conservation Alliance
starting point to learn more about Ray E. Stanford, Michael Pogue,
www.nps.gov/plants
pollinators and plants in your area. coordinators. 2006. Butterflies and
Seeds of Success Moths of North America. Bozeman,
www.nps.gov/plants/sos MT: NBII Mountain Prairie
Bai le y ’s E cor e gion Maps
Information Node.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower
www.butterfliesandmoths.org/
USDA Forest Service Center
(Version 07192007)
http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ www.wildflower.org/plants/
ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html USDA Hardiness Zone Map Pyle, Robert Michael. 1981. National
www.usna.usda/Hardzone/ Audubon Society Field Guide to
U.S. National Arboretum Butterflies. Alfred A. Knopf: New
Polli nation/Polli nator s York, NY.
www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/
ushzmap.html North American Buterfly
Pollinator Partnership
Association
www.pollinator.org
USDA, NRCS. 2007. The PLANTS www.naba.org
Coevolution Institute Database
www.coevolution.org www.plants.usda.gov, 19 July, 2007
National Plant Data Center, F e e db ack
Natural Resources
Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA
Conservation Service
We need your help to create better
www.nrcs.usda.gov
guides for other parts of North
North American Pollinator America. Please e-mail your input
Protection Campaign
to feedback@pollinator.org
www.nappc.org Nati ve Be e s
or fax to 415-362-3070.
USDA Forest Service
www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/ National Sustainable Information
Service n How will you use this guide?
Wild Farm Alliance “Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees”
www.wildfarmalliance.org by Lane Greer, NCAT Agriculture
n Do you find the directions
The Xerces Society Specialist, Published 1999, ATTRA
Publication #IP126 clear? If not, please tell us
www.xerces.org
www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/ what is unclear.
Illinois Natural History Survey
nativebee.html
www.inhs.uiuc.edu
n Is there any information you
Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. Agriculture Research Service feel is missing from the guide?
1997. The Forgotten Pollinators Plants Attractive to Native Bees table
Island Press: Washington, DC. www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.
n Any other comments?
htm?docid=12052
Committee on the Status of
Pollinators in North America. 2007. Th ank you
Status of Pollinators in North America f or tak i ng
The National Academies Press:
Washington, DC.
th e ti me to h e l p !
Easter n Broadleaf For est, Continental Province 23Research and Writing: E li zabe th L . Le y
NAPPC Ste ph e n Buch mann, Ph .D.
K ath e r i ne McGui r e
L ar ry Str i tch , Ph .D.
Editorial: L aur i e Davi e s Ada ms
L ar ry Str i tch , Ph .D.
Production Supervision: K ath e r i ne McGui r e
Design: Mar gue r i te Me y e r
Plant Conservation Alliance
Concept review:
American Farm Bureau Federation, Ron Gaskell
Bureau of Land Management, Peggy Olwell, Carol Spurrier,
Mary Byrne, Mary Tisdale, Elizabeth Wooster
National Garden Association, Susanne DeJohn
Plant Conservation Alliance – Edward Fletcher, Jean Giblette,
Mary Ann Lawler, Ron Smith
Smithsonian Institute, Department of Botany,
Gary Krupnick, Ph.D.
USDA - CSREES, Greg Crosby, Ph.D., Leslie Gilbert, Ph.D.
USDA - Forest Service, David Pivorunas, Larry Stritch, Ph.D.
USDA - Natural Resource Conservation Service, Doug Holy,
Hilda Diaz-Soltero
USDOI - US Fish and Wildlife Service, Karen Anderson,
Don MacLean, Patricia DeAngelis, Ph.D.
USGS - Steve Hilburger, Elizabeth Sellers
Photo Contributers:
Tim Dunne, Lara Roketenetz
Illustrations:
Carolyn Vibbert
For a copy of this brochure, or for another region, visit www.pollinator.org
The Pollinator Partnership™/North American Pollinator Protection Campaign
423 Washington St., 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111 – 415-362-1137
24 www.pollinator.org d www.nappc.orgS e l e c t i n g P l a n t s f or P ol l i n ator sYou can also read
