Selecting
Plants
for
Pollinators
A Regional Guide for Farmers, Land Managers, and Gardeners In the Eastern Broadleaf Forest
Oceanic Province
Including the states of Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island
and parts of: Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York, Ohio, NAPPC Pennsylvania, Tennessee Table of CONTENTS
Why Support Pollinators? 4
Getting Started 5
Eastern Broadleaf Forest 6
Meet the Pollinators 8
Plant Traits 10
Developing Plantings 12
Farms 13
Public Lands 14
Home Landscapes 15
Bloom Periods 16
Plants That Attract Pollinators 18
Host Plants 20
Checklist 22
Resources and Feedback 23 This is one of several guides for different regions in the United States. We welcome your feedback to assist us in making the future guides useful. Please contact us at [email protected]
Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators
A Regional Guide for
Farmers, Land Managers,
and Gardeners
In the
Ecological Region of the
Eastern Broadleaf Forest
Oceanic Province
Including the states of:
Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island
and parts of:
Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia
A NAPPC AND Pollinator Partnership™ Publication
By: Elizabeth L. Ley, Botanist, Edgewater, MD
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).
Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Oceanic Province Why support pollinators?
In their 1996 book, The Forgotten Pollinators, Buchmann and Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction “Farming feeds 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 the world, and that helps sustain our quality of life.
Abundant and healthy populations of pollinators can improve fruit set we must remember and quality, and increase fruit size. In farming situations this increases production per acre. In the wild, biodiversity increases and wildlife food sources increase. that pollinators Alfalfa, clover, apples, blueberries, cranberries, cherries, cucumbers, pears, pumpkins, soybeans, squash, tomatoes, and watermelons are some of the crops raised in the Eastern Broadleaf Forest that rely on honey bees and are a critical native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate approximately $10 billion worth of crops in the U.S. each year.
Unfortunately, the numbers of both native pollinators and domesticated link in our food bee populations are declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, disease, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides. The loss of commercial bees to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has highlighted how systems.” severe the issues of proper hive management are to reduce stresses caused by disease, pesticide use, insufficient nutrition, and transportation practices. -- Paul Growald, Currently, the pollination services that the commercial beekeeping industry Co-Founder, provides are receiving much needed research and conservation resources. Pollinator partnership The efforts to understand the threats to commercial bees should help us 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
Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started
This regional guide is just one States Forest Service, is a system landscape. Farms and residential in a series of plant selection tools created as a management tool areas provide a diverse range designed to provide information and is used to predict responses of soil types in both sunny and on how individuals can influence to land management practices shady areas. With this diversity of pollinator populations through throughout large areas. This guide locations many different species choices they make when they farm addresses pollinator-friendly land of plants may be used to improve a plot of ground, manage large management practices in what is pollinator habitats. tracts of public land, or plant a known as the Eastern Broadleaf garden. Each of us can have a Forest, Oceanic Province. Long before there were homes positive impact by providing the and farms in this area, the original, essential habitat requirements for Portions of thirteen states make natural vegetation provided pollinators including food, water, up the 104,500 square miles of continuous cover and adjacent shelter, and enough space to allow this province with elevations feeding opportunities for wildlife, pollinators to raise their young. ranging from sea level to 3,000 including pollinators. In choosing feet. Although the area is dissected plants, aim to create habitat for Pollinators travel through the by population centers, farms, and pollinators that allow adequate food, landscape without regard to roads, the natural vegetation shares shelter, and water sources. Most property ownership or state common natural characteristics: pollinators have very small home boundaries. We’ve chosen to use primarily, forests that shed their ranges. You will make a difference R.G. Bailey’s classification system leaves each fall. The seasonal cycle by understanding the vegetation to identify the geographic focus of sun and shade within the forests patterns on the farm, forest, or of this guide and to underscore has created a changing pattern neighbor’s yard adjacent to your the connections between climate of bloom time for food plants and property. With this information in and vegetation types that affect shelter needs for foraging, nesting, hand, your planting choices will the diversity of pollinators in the and migrating pollinators. better support the pollinators’ need environment. for food and shelter as they move Farmers, land managers, and through the landscape. Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United gardeners in this region have a States, developed by the United wide palette of plants to use in the
Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Oceanic Province Understanding the Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Oceanic Province
n This region is designated number 221 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 104,500 square miles within 13 states.
n Diverse topography including the Appalachian Plateaus, New England lowlands, the mid-Atlantic coastal plain, and the Piedmont Plateau.
n Elevations ranging from sea level to 3,000 feet.
n Separated by the Central Appalachian Broadleaf Forest, Coniferous Forest, Meadow Province, which is a more mountainous terrain.
n Average annual temperature range from 40° - 60°F.
n Average year round precipitation between 35-60 inches.
n Primarily USDA Hardiness Zone 6, touching some of Zone 5 (1990 version).
Characteristics
n Deciduous forests dominated by tall broadleaf trees with lower layers of small trees and shrubs.
n Herbaceous layer appears in the spring which mostly disappears as the foliage of the trees develops and shades the ground.
n Dissected by population centers, farms, and roads.
Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Eastern Broadleaf Forest Oceanic Province includes: “Adding native plantings in riparian areas Connecticut New Jersey to improve pollinator habitat makes Rhode Island sense in advancing our family farm’s and parts of: Delaware conservation and economic objectives, Kentucky Maine enhancing beneficial wildlife and Maryland Massachusetts improving pollination in our orchard New Hampshire New York and garden.” Ohio Pennsylvania --Lee McDaniel, Farmer and President, Tennessee West Virginia National Association of Conservation Districts
Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Oceanic Province Meet the Pollinators Who are the colonies. pollinators? Solitary bees include carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.), which nest in wood; digger, or polyester bees (Colletes Bees spp.), which nest underground; Bees are the best documented leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), pollinators in the natural and which prefer dead trees or branches agricultural landscapes of the for their nest sites; and mason bees Eastern Broadleaf Forest. A wide (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities range of plants in the Aster and that they find in stems and dead Rose Families, blueberry crops, and wood. Cactus bees (Diadasia spp.) tomatoes are just a few plants that are also solitary ground nesters. benefit from bee pollinators. Most of us are familiar with the Butterflies colonies of honey bees that have Gardeners have been attracting been the workhorses of agricultural butterflies to their gardens for pollination for years in the United some time. These insects tend to States. They were imported from be eye-catching, as are the flowers Europe almost 400 years ago. that attract them. Position flowering There are nearly 4000 species of plants where they have full sun and
Photo courtesy of Tim Dunne Tim of courtesy Photo native ground and twig nesting bees are protected from the wind. Also, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a in the U.S. Some form colonies you will need to provide open areas species frequently seen in the Eastern while others live and work a solitary (e.g. bare earth, large stones) where Broadleaf Forest. life. Native bees currently pollinate butterflies may bask, and moist soil many crops and can be encouraged from which they may get needed to do more to support agricultural minerals. By providing a safe place endeavors if their needs for nesting to eat and nest, gardeners can also habitat are met and if suitable support the pollination role that sources of nectar, pollen, and water butterflies play in the landscape. It are provided. Bees have tongues of might mean accepting slight damage Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on varying lengths that help determine to the plants, known as host plants, Ironweed in Ohio. which flowers they can obtain nectar that provide food for the larval stage and pollen from. of the butterfly. The bumble bee (Bombus spp.) forms A diverse group of butterflies small colonies, usually underground. are present in garden areas and They are generalists, feeding on a woodland edges that provide bright wide range of plant material from flowers, water sources, and specific February to November and are host plants. Numerous trees, shrubs, important pollinators of tomatoes. and herbaceous plants support The sweat bee (family Halictidae) butterfly populations. nests underground. Various species Butterflies are in the Order are solitary while others form loose Lepidoptera. Some of the species in Photo courtesy of Lara Roketenetz Lara of courtesy Photo
Selecting Plants for Pollinators the Eastern Broadleaf Forest are as butterfly or bird watching. Yet members of the carrot family like Brush-footed, Gossamer-winged, beetles do play a role in pollination. Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota). Swallowtail, Parnassian, Skipper, Some have a bad reputation White, Sulphur and Milkweed because they can leave a mess Birds butterflies. They usually look for behind, damaging plant parts that Hummingbirds are the primary flowers that provide a good landing they eat. Beetles are not as efficient birds which play a role in pollina– platform. as some pollinators. They wander tion in North America. Their long between different species, often Wet mud areas provide butterflies beaks and tongues draw nectar dropping pollen as they go. with both the moisture and from tubular flowers. Pollen is minerals they need to stay healthy. Beetle pollinated plants tend to be carried on both the beaks and Butterflies eat rotten fruit and even large, strong scented flowers with feathers of different hummingbirds. dung, so don’t clean up all the their sexual organs exposed. They The regions closer to the tropics, messes in your garden! are known to pollinate Magnolia, with warmer climates, boast the sweetshrub (Calycanthus), paw largest number of hummingbird Moths paws, and yellow pond lilies. species and the greatest number of native plants to support the bird’s Moths are most easily distinguished need for food. White-winged doves from butterflies by their antennae. Flies (Zenaida asiatica) are also pollinators Butterfly antennae are simple with a It may be hard to imagine why one of the saguaro cactus (Carnegeia swelling at the end. Moth antennae would want to attract flies to the gigantea) in the south central United differ from simple to featherlike, garden. However, like beetles, the States. but never have a swelling at the number of fly species and the fact tip. In addition, butterflies typically that flies are generalist pollinators Bright colored tubular flowers are active during the day; moths at (visit many species of plants), attract hummingbirds to gardens night. Butterfly bodies are not very should encourage us all to leave throughout the United States. hairy, while moth bodies are quite those flies alone and let them do Hummingbirds can see the color hairy and more stout. their job as pollinators. red; bees cannot. Many tropical flowers, grown as annuals in the Moths, generally less colorful Recent research indicates that flies Eastern Broadleaf Forest, along than butterflies, also play a role primarily pollinate small flowers with native woodland edge plants, in pollination. They are attracted that bloom under shade and in attract hummingbirds. to flowers that are strongly sweet seasonally moist habitats. The smelling, open in late afternoon or National Research Council’s Status night, and are typically white or of Pollinators in North America study Bats pale colored. states that flies are economically Though bats in the Eastern important as pollinators for a range Broadleaf Forest are not pollinators, of annual and bulbous ornamental bats play an important role in Beetles flowers. pollination in the southwest where Over 30,000 species of beetles Plants pollinated by the fly they feed on agave and cactus. The are found in the United States include the American pawpaw long-nosed bats’ head shape and and many of them can be found (Asimina triloba), dead horse arum long tongue allows it to delve into on flower heads. Gardeners have (Helicodiceros muscivorus), skunk flower blossoms and extract both yet to intentionally draw beetles cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), pollen and nectar. to their gardens, possibly because goldenrod (Solidago spp.), and beetle watching isn’t as inspiring
Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Oceanic Province Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Plant Which Flowers Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind Do the Trait Pollinators Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, or prefer? Bright white, Scarlet, orange, Dull white, green Dull white or Bright, including dark brown or purple; Pale and dull red, colorless; yellow, red Not all pollinators are found Color or purple green red and purple flecked with translucent purple, pink or white petals absent in each North American province, blue, or UV or white patches or reduced and some are more important in different parts of the United States. Use this page as a resource to understand the plants and Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent pollinators where you live. guides Plants can be grouped together Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; based on the similar characteristics None Faint but fresh Putrid None of their flowers. These floral Odor emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid emitted at night characteristics can be useful to predict the type of pollination method or animal that is most Abundant; Sometimes Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply effective for that group of plants. somewhat Usually present present; Usually absent None This association between floral Nectar hidden hidden hidden characteristics and pollination hidden not hidden method is called a pollination syndrome. Limited; often Abundant; small, Ample sticky Ample Modest Limited Modest in amount Limited The interactions of animal Pollen smooth, and not sticky pollinators and plants have and scented influenced the evolution of both groups of organisms. A mutualistic relationship between the pollinator Regular; bowl Shallow; have Large funnel Narrow tube with and the plant species helps the Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide pollinator find necessary pollen and Magnolia complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted nectar sources and helps the plant Shape during day tubular perch support landing pad reproduce by ensuring that pollen is carried from one flower to another. This chart and more information on pollinator syndromes can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml
10 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Plant Trait Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind
Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, or Bright white, Scarlet, orange, Dull white, green Dull white or Bright, including dark brown or purple; Pale and dull red, colorless; yellow, red Color or purple green red and purple flecked with translucent purple, pink or white petals absent blue, or UV or white patches or reduced
Nectar Absent Present Absent Absent Present Absent Absent Absent guides
Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; None Faint but fresh Putrid None Odor emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid emitted at night
Abundant; Sometimes Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply somewhat Usually present present; Usually absent None Nectar hidden hidden hidden hidden not hidden
Limited; often Abundant; small, Ample sticky Ample Modest Limited Modest in amount Limited Pollen smooth, and not sticky and scented
Regular; bowl Shallow; have Large funnel Narrow tube with Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and Flower shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide Magnolia complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted Shape during day tubular perch support landing pad
This chart and more information on pollinator syndromes can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml
Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Oceanic Province 11 Developing landscape plantings that provide pollinator habitat
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. Water: 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. Food: open. Plantain is alternate host for • Ensure the water sources have the Baltimore Checkerspot. Flowers provide nectar (high in a shallow or sloping side so the • Learn and utilize Integrated Pest sugar and necessary amino acids) pollinators can easily approach the Management (IPM) practices to and pollen (high in protein) to water without drowning. address pest concerns. Minimize or pollinators. eliminate the use of pesticides. Fermenting fallen fruits also provide Your current landscape probably 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 Shelter: 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 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Farms
Soybean, alfalfa, blueberry, clover, herbicides. Perhaps the targeted cranberry, strawberry, stone fruits, weeds can provide needed food for “food supplies for and tomatoes are a few of the food pollinators. crops in the Eastern Broadleaf • Minimize tillage to protect ground Forest that will benefit from strong nesting pollinators. bees are critical native bee populations that boost • Ensure water sources are scattered pollination efficiency. Incorporate throughout the landscape. different plants throughout the • Choose a variety of native plants to farm that provide food for native act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, to maintaining populations when targeted crops and field borders throughout the are not in flower. farm. • Plant unused areas of the farm strong hives Farmers have many opportunities with temporary cover crops that to incorporate pollinator-friendly can provide food or with a variety land management practices on their of trees, shrubs, and flowers that for almond land which will benefit the farmer provide both food and shelter for in achieving his or her production pollinators. goals: • Check with your local Natural • Manage the use of pesticides Resources Conservation Service pollination to reduce the impact on native (NRCS) office to see what technical 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 the following targeted ingredients. provide nectar, pollen, and larval food • Carefully consider the use of sources for pollinators on your farm. winter.” -- Dan Cummings, Chico, California almond grower. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert Carolyn by Illustrations
Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Oceanic Province 13 Public Lands
“From
hummingbirds
to beetles, to
butterflies,
nature’s
pollinators help
keep Midewin’s
Tallgrass prairie Public lands are maintained for In an effort to increase populations restorations specific reasons ranging from high of pollinators the land manager can: impact recreation to conservation. • Inventory and become full of diverse In the Eastern Broadleaf Forest, knowledgeable of local pollinators. forests have been cut to allow • Provide connectivity between for roads, buildings, open lawn vegetation areas by creating flowering areas, boat ramps, and vistas. Less corridors of perennials, shrubs, and disturbed natural areas can be trees that provide pollinators shelter plants. Insect augmented with plantings of native and food as they move through the plant species. Existing plantings landscape. monitoring around buildings and parking areas • Maintain a minimum of lawn areas should be evaluated to determine that support recreational needs. provides a key if pollinator-friendly plants can • Restrict the use of pesticides and be substituted or added to attract herbicides. and support pollinators. Public • Provide water sources in large measure of our land managers have a unique open areas. opportunity to use their plantings • Maintain natural meadows and success.” as an education tool to help others openings that provide habitats for understand the importance of 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 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Home Landscapes
Gardeners have a wide array of The scale of your plantings will vary “A garden is plants to use in their gardens. but it is important to remember Native plants, plants introduced that you are trying to provide only as rich and from years of plant exploration connectivity to the landscape from around the world, and plants adjacent to your property. Don’t beautiful as the developed by professional and just look within your property amateur breeders can be found in boundaries. If your neighbor’s integral health garden centers, in catalogs, and on property provides an essential web-sites. Use your knowledge element, such as water, which can of pollinator needs to guide your be utilized by pollinators visiting of the system; choices. your land, you may be able to • Choose a variety of plants that devote more space to habitat pollinators will provide nectar and pollen elements that are missing nearby. throughout the growing season. It is best to use native plants which are essential to • Resist the urge to have a totally have evolved to support the needs manicured lawn and garden. Leave of specific native pollinators. Some the system - make bare ground for ground nesting pollinators, however, are generalists bees. Leave areas of dead wood and and visit many different plants, both your home their 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. to use are not invasive. Remember ” • Find local resources to help you 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, legislation Chairwoman, plant society. Visit your regional such as those that are double or 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.
Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Oceanic Province 15 BLOOM PERIODS FOR THE EASTERN BROADLEAF FOREST, OCEANIC PROVINCE
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.” Common Botanical Name Name March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Trees and Shrubs red, red, Acer spp. maple greenish greenish yellow yellow
Amelanchier spp. serviceberry white white
yellow yellow yellow yellow Salix spp. willow green green green green yellow yellow Sassafras albidum sassafras green green
Cercis canadensis eastern redbud pink to lav pink to lav
white white Arctostaphylos bearberry tinged with tinged with uva-ursi pink pink yellow yellow Celtis occidentalis common hackberry green green white to white to white to white to Vaccinium spp. blueberry pink pink pink pink creamy creamy creamy Sambucus spp. elderberry white white white
Rosa spp. rose (wild types) pale pink pale pink pale pink pale pink
Ceanothus New Jersey tea white white white white white americanus
Oxydendrum sourwood white white arboreum
Cephalanthus creamy creamy buttonbush occidentalis white white yellow yellow yellow Rhus copallina dwarf sumac green green green Perennial Flowers Salvia spp sage violet violet violet
white, white, white, yellow, yellow, yellow, Viola spp. volets blue, deep blue, deep blue, deep purple purple purple
16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Common Botanical Name Name March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Perennial Flowers continued lupine, sundial blue- blue- blue- blue- Lupinus perennis lupine purple purple purple purple
Geranium spp. cranesbills lav or pink lav or pink lav or pink
rose, pink, rose, pink, rose, pink, rose, pink, rose, pink, rose, pink, rose, pink, phlox, wild sweet purple, purple, purple, purple, purple, purple, purple, Phlox spp. William blue, violet, blue, violet, blue, violet, blue, violet, blue, violet, blue, violet, blue, violet, white white white white white white white
Aquilegia red & red & red & wild columbine canadensis yellow yellow yellow blue- blue- Baptisia australis false blue indigo purple purple Asclepias syriaca common milkweed pale purple pale purple pale purple pale purple
milkweed, butterfly yellow to yellow to yellow to yellow to Asclepias tuberosa weed orange orange orange orange
blackberry, white or white or white or Rubus spp. raspberry rose purple rose purple rose purple
Echinacea purpurea purple coneflower rose pink rose pink rose pink
pink to pink to pink to pink to Asclepias incarnata swamp milkweed reddish reddish reddish reddish Cimicifuga black cohosh, fairy white white white racemosa candles sunflower, Asteracea (Aster black-eyed yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow family) susan, goldenrod, sneezeweed white, blue, white, blue, white, blue, white, blue, Symphyotrichum spp. aster violet violet violet violet Chelone glabra white turtlehead white white white white bee-balm, red, pink, red, pink, red, pink, red, pink, red, pink, Monarda spp. wild bergamot, purple purple purple purple purple horsemint Joe-Pye weed, pink, pink, pink, pink, Eupatorium spp. boneset, purple, purple, purple, purple, thoroughwort white white white white lav to rose lav to rose lav to rose lav to rose Liatris spp. blazing star purple purple purple purple
red or blue red or blue red or blue red or blue Lobelia spp. cardinal flower violet violet violet violet Vines trumpet vine or Campsis radicans orange-red orange-red orange-red orange-red creeper
Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Oceanic Province 17 Plants that attract pollinators in THE EASTERN BROADLEAF FOREST, OCEANIC PROVINCE 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 Also a host Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Sun Soil plant. See Season Pollinators pgs 20-21 Trees and Shrubs red, orange, sun to part moist, well Acer spp. maple greenish 40-70’ Mar-Apr bees shade drained yellow Aesculus pavia red buckeye red, yellow 10-15’ Mar-May part shade moist hummingbird sun to part Amelanchier spp. serviceberry white 6-25’ Mar-Apr bees shade Arctostaphylos white tinged poor, acidic, bearberry 6-12” Apr-May full bees X uva-ursi with pink well drained Ceanothus varies May- sun to part dry well New Jersey tea white 3-4’ bees X americanus Sep shade drained yellow Tilia americana basswood 75-130’ Apr-May shade moist bees, flies, moths X white Cephalanthus creamy sun to part buttonbush 6-12’ Jul-Aug wet bees, butterflies occidentalis white shade sun to part moist well Cercis canadensis eastern redbud pink-lav 20-30’ Apr-May bees X shade drained Oxydendrum sun to part moist, acidic sourwood white 25-30’ Jun-Jul bees arboreum shade well drained yellow sun to part dry to med Rhus copallinum dwarf sumac 3-6’ Jul-Sep butterflies, bees X green shade wet, average med wet to sun to part Rosa spp. rose (wild types) pale pink 1-8’ May-Aug wet, well bees shade drained white or sun to part Rubus spp. blackberry, raspberry 3-9’ Jun-Sep moist butterflies, bees rose purple shade Salix nigra, black willow, silky yellow 12-50’ Mar-Jul sun to shade moist flies, bees X S. sericea willow green creamy Sambucus spp. elderberry 5-12’ May-Jun sun to shade wet flies, bees, beetles white yellow sun to part light, acidic, Sassafras albidum sassafras 35-50’ April flies, bees X green shade sandy acid, moist, white to Vaccinium spp. blueberry 6”-12’ Apr-Jul sun to shade rich, well bees X pink drained Perennial Flowers black cohosh, part shade to moist, acid, Actaea racemosa white 3-6’ Jun-Sep bees, butterflies X fairy candles shade rich loan Aquilegia part shade, sandy, well butterflies, bees, wild columbine red & yellow 12-15” May-Jun X canadensis shade drained moths, hummingbirds pink to sun to part flies, butterflies, Asclepias incarnata swamp milkweed 4-5’ Jun-Oct moist X reddish shade hummingbirds Asclepias syriaca common milkweed pale purple 2-3’ May-Aug full sun moist flies, butterflies, bees X milkweed, yellow to sun to part bees, butterflies, flies Asclepias tuberosa 1-3’ May-Aug dry to moist butterfly weed orange shade hummingbirds
18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Flower Visitation by Also a host Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Sun Soil plant. See Season Pollinators pgs 20-21
Perennial Flowers continued
sun to part Baptisia australis false blue indigo blue- purple 3-6’ May-Jun dry to moist bees X shade
sun to part light, rich, Chelone glabra white turtlehead white 3-10’ Jul-Oct bees X shade wet to moist Echinacea full sun to med wet, purple coneflower rose-purple 2-4’ Jun-Aug bees, butterflies X purpurea part shade well drained average Joe-Pye weed, boneset, pink, purple, sun to part Eupatorium spp. 1-10’ Jul-Oct medium wet butterflies, bees thoroughwort white shade to wet full sun to med wet, Geranium spp. cranesbills lav or pink 1-2’ Apr-Jul flies, bees, beetles part shade well drained dry to med full sun to Helianthus spp. sunflower yellow 1-6’ Jul-Oct wet, well bees, beetles X part shade drained lav to rose- full sun to med wet, bees, butterlies, Liatris spp. blazing star 1-6’ Jul-Oct purple part shade well drained hummingbirds yellow, red, Lilium spp. native lilies 3-6’ Jun-aug sun moist to wet hummingbird orange red or blue full sun to butterflies, bees, Lobelia spp. cardinal flower 1-5’ Jul-Oct moist violet part shade hummingbirds sun to part Lupinus perennis lupine, sundial lupine blue- purple 1-3’ Apr-Jul dry sandy bees, beetles X shade bee-balm, wild sun to part acidic, butterflies, bees, Monarda spp. red 1-3’ Jul-Oct X bergamot, horsemint shade rich moist hummingbirds rose, pink, phlox, wild sweet sun to part med wet, Phlox spp. purple, blue, 1/2-6’ Apr-Oct butterflies, moths X william shade well drained violet, white dry to med black-eyed susan, full sun to bees, beetles, Rudbeckia spp. yellow 1-10’ Jul-Oct wet, X coneflower part shade butterflies well drained full sun to moist, bees, butterflies, Salvia spp sage violet 1-2’ Apr-Jun part shade well drained hummingbirds dry to med full sun to migrating butterflies, Solidago spp. goldenrod yellow 1-6’ Jun-Oct wet, X part shade bees, beetles, flies well drained Spigelia marilandica woodland pinkroot red 1-3’ May-Jul part shade moist hummingbird butterflies - room to Symphyotrichum white, blue, full sun to medium wet, aster 1-6’ Jul-Oct land and perch, bees, X spp. violet part shade well drained beetles white, full sun or Viola spp. violets yellow, blue, 3-8” Apr-Jun butterflies, bees X filtered shade deep purple Vines Bignonia moist, crossvine orange-red to 20’ Jul-Aug sun hummingbird capreolata well drained sun to part moist, Campsis radicans trumpet vine or creeper orange-red to 35’ Jul-Sep bees, hummingbird shade well drained Lonicera trumpet honeysuckle red to 15’ Jul-Sep part shade moist hummingbird sempervirens
Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Oceanic Province 19 HOST Plants FOR THE EASTERN BROADLEAF FOREST, OCEANIC PROVINCE
The larval stage of butterflies relies on plants for food and shelter. These plants are usually different than the ones that provide food and shelter to adult butterflies. The following chart lists plants that support specific butterfly species. Butterfly Botanical Family Subfamily Species Name Larval Food Plants
Dogwood (Cornus florida), New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americana), Blues (Polyommatinae) Spring Azure Celastrina ladon black cohosh (Actaea racemosa), viburnum, blueberry (Vaccinium)
Coppers (Lycaeninae) Bog Copper Lycaena epixanthe Shrubby cranberries (Vaccinium spp)
) Callophrys Heath family (Ericaceae), bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), Hairstreaks (Theclinae) Brown Elfin augustinus Blue-Ridge blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum)
Hoary Elfin Callophrys polios Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) Huckleberries and blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), redbud (Cercis Henry’s Elfin Callophrys henrici canadensis) Lycaenidae ( Members of the pea family (Fabaceae): indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) and Frosted Elfin Callophrys irus lupine (Lupinus perennis); occasionally blue false indigo (Baptisia australis) Gossamer-wing Butterflies Gossamer-wing
Fallen leaves of wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), dwarf sumac (Rhus Red-banded Hairstreak Calycopis cecrops copallina), staghorn sumac (R. typhina), and several oaks (Quercus spp.)
Emporers (Apaturinae) Hackberry Emporer Asterocampa celtis Common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
Tawny Emperor Asterocampa clyton Common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), dwarf hackberry (C. tenuifolia)
Longwings (Heliconiinae) Regal Fritillary Speyeria idalia Violets (Viola spp.)
Meadow Fritillary Boloria bellona Violets (Viola spp.)
) Aphrodite Fritillary Speyeria aphrodite Violets (Viola spp.)
Atlantis Fritillary Speyeria atlantis Violets (Viola spp.)
Milkweed Butterflies Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), common milkweed (A. syriaca), Monarch Danaus plexippus (Daninae) orange milkweed (A. tuberosa)
Snouts (Libytheinae) American Snout Libytheana carinenta Hackberry (Celtis spp.) Nymphalidae True Brushfoots White turtlehead (Chelone glabra), Baltimore Euphydryas phaeton (Nymphailinae) hairy beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus)
Many plants including thistles (Asteraceae), hollyhock and mallow Painted Lady Vanessa cardui (Malvaceae), and legumes (Fabaceae)
Many composites including black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Silvery Cherckerspot Chlosyne nycteis sunflowers Helianthus( spp.) Several species of asters including hairy white oldfield aster Pearl Crescent Phyciodes tharos (Symphyotrichum pilosus) and smooth blue aster (Symphyotrichum
Brush-footed butterflies ( lavae) Willows including black willow (Salix nigra) and silky willow (S. sericea); also American elm (Ulmus americana), cottonwood (Populus deltoides), Morning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa aspen (P. tremuloides), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), and common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
Admirals & Relatives Trees in the willow family (Salicaceae) including willows (Salix spp.), Viceroy Limenitis archippus (Limenitidinae) and poplars and cottonwoods (Populus spp.)
20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Host Plants continued
Butterfly Botanical Family Subfamily Species Name Larval Food Plants
Spread-wing Skippers Columbine Dustywing Erynnis lucilius Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) (Pyrginae) Skippers (Hesperi- False blue indigo (Baptisia australis), begger’s ticks (Desmodium spp.), Hoary Edge Achalarus lyciades idae) bush clover (Lespedeza spp.) Mottled Dustywing Erynnis martialis New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus)
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), sassafras trees (Sassafras albidum); perhaps prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum), tulip tree (Liriodendron Swallowtails (Paplioninae) Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus tulipifera), sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), and redbay (Persea borbonia) Parnassians Wild cherry (Prunus spp.), sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), basswood & Eastern Tiger (Tilia americana), tulip tree (Liriodendron tuliperifera), birch (Betula Papilio glaucus Swallowtails Swallowtail spp.), ash (Fraxinus spp.), cottonwood (Populus deltoides), (Papilion- mountain ash (Sorbus americana), and willow (Salix spp.). idae) Parsley family (Apiaceae) including , carrot, celery and dill. Black Swallowtail Papilio polyxenes Sometimes plants in the citrus family (Rutaceae) are preferred.
Zebra Swallowtail Eurytides marcellus Pawpaw (Asimina triloba). Young plants are preferred.
Note for all charts: When more than one species of the same genus is useful, the genus name is followed by “spp.”
“MONARCH BUTTERFLIES NEVER FAIL TO CATCH THE
VISITOR’S EYE AND ALWAYS LEAD TO A TEACHABLE MOMENT.” -- LOGAN LEE, PRAIRIE SUPERVISOR MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE
Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Oceanic Province 21 A Basic Checklist
Become familiar with pollinators in your landscape.
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 native plants to attract more native pollinators.
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.
Use pollinator friendly landscape practices to support the pollinators you attract.
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.
Notice the changes that you have helped to create!
22 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Resources
Many books, websites, and people Native Plants Butterflies and Moths were consulted to gather information for this guide. Use this list as a Plant Conservation Alliance Opler, Paul A., Harry Pavulaan, starting point to learn more about www.nps.gov/plants Ray E. Stanford, Michael Pogue, 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 Bailey’s Ecoregion Maps Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Information Node. Center www.butterfliesandmoths.org/ USDA Forest Service (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 Pollination/Pollinators www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ York, NY. 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, Feedback 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 Native Bees to [email protected] www.nappc.org or fax to 415-362-3070. USDA Forest Service National Sustainable Information www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/ Service “Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees” n How will you use this guide? Wild Farm Alliance by Lane Greer, NCAT Agriculture www.wildfarmalliance.org Specialist, Published 1999, ATTRA n Do you find the directions Publication #IP126 The Xerces Society clear? If not, please tell us www.xerces.org www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/ nativebee.html what is unclear. Illinois Natural History Survey www.inhs.uiuc.edu Agriculture Research Service n Is there any information you Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. Plants Attractive to Native Bees table feel is missing from the guide? 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs. htm?docid=12052 Island Press: Washington, DC. n Any other comments? Committee on the Status of Pollinators in North America. 2007. Thank you Status of Pollinators in North America for taking The National Academies Press: Washington, DC. the time to help!
Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Oceanic Province 23 NAPPC Research and Writing: Elizabeth L. Ley
Editorial: Laurie Davies Adams and Larry Stritch, Ph.D.
Production Supervision: Katherine McGuire
Design: Marguerite Meyer
Concept review: Plant Conservation Alliance 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 d 24 www.pollinator.org www.nappc.org Selecting Plants for Pollinators