Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, wasps, flies, beetles and even hummingbirds are involved in the reproduction of roughly 70 percent of the world’s flowering plants, including more than two-thirds of the world’s crop species. The United States alone grows more than one hundred crops that either need or benefit from pollinators. The economic value of these native pollinators has been estimated to be $3 billion per year in the U.S. Fruits and seeds derived from insect pollination are a major part of the diet of approximately 25 percent of all birds, and of mammals. Pollinators are a keystone species group; the persistence of a large number of other species depends upon them. While the loss of honey bees due to pests, diseases, and habitat loss has been widely publicized, many of our wild native bees are also disappearing.
To help support a diversity of different types of pollinators, plant a diversity of native flowering plants. Bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects need nectar and pollen sources throughout the growing season so include plants with different flower colors, fragrances, and shapes from early spring to fall.
Blue, purple, violet, white and yellow flowers are particularly attractive to native bees. Plants that provide nectar and pollen for bees include aster, beebalm, boneset, goldenrod, Joe-pye weed, milkweed, basswood, service berry, sunflower, cosmo, purple coneflower, squill, lavender, basil, borage, elderberry, blueberry, rhododendron, lupine, hawthorn, spiderwort, Russian sage, catmint and willo. Bees need areas with twigs, brush piles, stones and other natural shelter to lay their eggs and to spend the winter. Ground nesting bees require direct access to soil in well drained, sunny areas creating small, circular holes in the ground surrounded by small piles of dirt. Wood nesting bees are found in pithy twig or vine centers, rotting wood and existing cavities in wood. Only carpenter bees chew their own nest cells into soft wood; others require existing holes. Bumble bees are generalists in their nesting habits and can be found under leaves, in old mouse nests and other preexisting cavities, above or below ground. Natural nesting sites for bees can be supplemented by adding mason bee houses or bundles of hollow plant stems.
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| If you look carefully at the goldenrod you'll see at least 5 busy bees. |
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| Bee on monarda (commonly know as bee balm) |
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| Bee on coneflower |
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| Red Admiral butterfly |
Butterflies often need specific host plants to feed on during their caterpillar stage. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on leaves of milkweed plants, therefore preserving these native plants is crucial in protecting the Monarch butterfly. The Wild Ones Monarchs Committee encourages YOU to collect milkweed seeds and plant them. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is generally the preferred host plant of Monarchs, while Swamp (A. incarnata) and Butterfly (A. tuberosa) weed are preferred nectar plants.
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Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
in bloom (left lower corner)
-prefers damp, marshy areas
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Swamp milkweed seeds being dispersed from pods
by the wind
Red Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata
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Sun:
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Full
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Soil:
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Sand,Loam,Clay
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Moisture:
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Moist,Wet
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Height:
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3'-5'
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Bloom Time:
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Jun-Jul
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Color:
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red,pink
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Root:
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Fibrous
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Zone:
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4
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Spacing:
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1'-18"
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Red Milkweed attracts butterflies of all kinds and the leaves are a preferred food source for the Monarch Caterpillar. Asclepias incarnata thrives along ponds, streams and detention basins. It preferes moist soil but also does wel in average, well-drained garden sites. Full sun is best and some light shade is tolerated. No butterfly garden is complete without Red Milkweed, also known as Swamp Milkweed or Marsh Milkweed. Zones 3 - 9.
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Butterfly weed ( Asclepias tuberosa)
prefers well-drained soils
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Sun:
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Full
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Soil:
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Sand,Loam
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Moisture:
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Dry,Medium
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Height:
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2'-3'
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Bloom Time:
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Jun-Aug
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Color:
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orange
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Root:
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Taproot
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Zone:
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4
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Spacing:
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1'-18"
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True to its name, Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa) attracts legions of butterflies, and is an important larval food source for Monarchs. Look for their beautiful chrysalises on your plants! This rugged plant thrives in dry soil to well-drained loam. Makes a fantastic cut flower! Hardy to Zones 3 - 10.
Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Sun: Full,Partial
Soil: Sand,Loam,Clay
Moisture: Dry,Medium
Height: 2'-4'
Bloom Time: Jun-Aug
Color: lavender
Root:
Zone: 3
Spacing: 1'
This favorite of the Monarch butterfly produces a profusion of sweet-scented lavender flowers in mid-summer. The caterpillars feast on the leaves, stocking up for the day when they will become butterflies and migrate to Mexico for the winter. Grows readily from seed, and thrives in almost any well-drained soil, even tough clay or dry sand. Spreads rapidly by rhizomes, and is best planted in large areas with other grasses and flowers. Grows two to four feet tall. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8.
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