Selecting
Plants
for
Pollinators
A Regional Guide for Farmers, Land Managers, and Gardeners In the
Prairie Park land
Temperate Province
Including the states of:
and parts of:
Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota,
Nebraska, North Dakota, and Oklahoma, South Dakota NAPPC Table of CONTENTS
Why Support Pollinators? 4
Getting Started 5
Prairie Parkland 6
Meet the Pollinators 8
Plant Traits 10
Developing Plantings 12
Far ms 13
Public Lands 14
Home Landscapes 15
Bloom Periods 16
Plants That Attract Pollinators 18
Host Plants 20
Check list 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]
Cover photo of landscape hills by Marguerite Meyer
2 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Selecting Plants for Pollinators
A Regional Guide for
Farmers, Land Managers,
and Gardeners
In the
Ecological Region of the
Prairie Parkland
Temperate Province
Including the states of:
Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri
and parts of:
Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska,
North Dakota, Oklahoma,
South Dakota
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).
Prairie Parkland, Temperate Province 3 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 the world, and intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems 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, apples, pumpkins, soybeans, squash, and watermelons are some of the crops raised in the Prairie Parkland that rely on honey bees and native bees for pollination. Domestic honey bees pollinate approximately $10 are a critical 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 severe the issues of proper hive management are to reduce stresses caused systems.” 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.
Val Dolcini President & CEO Pollinator Partnership
4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started
This regional guide is just one practices in what is known as in a series of plant selection tools the Prairie Parkland, Temperate designed to provide information Province. remains. Fire played an important on how individuals can influence part in shaping the vegetation of pollinator populations through Portions of ten states make up the prairies. As fire is controlled choices they make when they farm a the 218,000 square miles of this or suppressed, deciduous trees plot of ground, manage large tracts province with elevations ranging are able to colonize or become of public land, or plant a garden. from 300 to 2,000 feet. The established, turning prairies into Each of us can have a positive topography varies with large forests. impact by providing the essential areas of gently rolling plains to habitat requirements for pollinators steep bluffs or rounded hills. Many prairie plants are wind including food, water, shelter, and Average annual temperatures vary pollinated, such as grasses, oaks enough space to allow pollinators to considerably from south (60˚F) to and hickories. You will find them raise their young. north (40˚F). Wooded areas are listed in this guide as important commonly found along streams and host plants to butterfly larvae, but Pollinators travel through the north facing slopes in the western not on the other charts. They are landscape without regard to parts of the province. In the eastern important elements in recreating property ownership or state parts, trees are more often found on natural landscapes and for boundaries. We’ve chosen to use the highest hills. providing habitat for butterfly R.G. Bailey’s classification system development. to identify the geographic focus Long before there were homes of this guide and to underscore and farms in this area, the original, In choosing plants, aim to create the connections between climate natural vegetation was prairies, habitat for pollinators that allow and vegetation types that affect groves, and strips of deciduous adequate food, shelter, and water the diversity of pollinators in the trees. Grasses such as bluestems sources. Most pollinators have environment. and Indian grass grow among many very small home ranges. You can species of wildflowers. Dry and wet make a difference by understanding Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United oak savannas are common, as are the vegetation patterns on the States, developed by the United oak-hickory forests. Bur oak is a farm, forest, or neighbor’s yard States Forest Service, is a system common oak in wet areas; black oak adjacent to your property. With created as a management tool and on drier sites. this information in hand, your is used to predict responses to land planting choices will better support management practices throughout The favorable climate and soils led the pollinators’ need for food and large areas. This guide addresses to the establishment of farms so shelter as they move through the pollinator-friendly land management that little of the original vegetation landscape.
Prairie Parkland, Temperate Province 5 Understanding the Prairie Parkland, Temperate Province
n This region is designated number 251 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 218,200 square miles within 10 states (see opposite page).
n Gently rolling plains with steep bluffs in the valleys, or rounded hills.
n Elevations ranging from 300 to 2,000 feet.
n Average annual temperature range from 40° - 60°F.
n Average year round precipitation between 20-40 inches.
n USDA Hardiness Zone 3b - 5 (1990 version).
Characteristics
n Intermingled dry and moist prairies, groves, and strips of deciduous trees.
n Prairies dominated by moderately tall grass species (bluestem, switchgrass, and Indian grass).
n Trees found near streams and on north facing slopes in the west, on hilltops in the east.
n Dominant trees are oak and hickory.
6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Prairie Parkland Temperate Province includes “ Adding native plantings in riparian areas the states of: Illinois to improve pollinator habitat makes Iowa sense in advancing our family farm’s Missouri conservation and economic objectives, And parts of: Indiana enhancing beneficial wildlife and Kansas improving pollination in our orchard Minnesota Nebraska and garden.” North Dakota Oklahoma --Lee McDaniel, Farmer and President, South Dakota National Association of Conservation Districts
Prairie Parkland, Temperate Province 7 Meet the Pollinators
Who are the pollinators?
Bees Solitary bees include carpenter bees Bees are well documented (Xylocopa spp.), which nest in wood; pollinators in the natural and digger, or polyester bees (Colletes agricultural systems of the Prairie spp.), which nest underground; Parkland. A wide range of plants leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), in the Aster and Rose families, which prefer dead trees or branches alfalfa, and melon crops are just for their nest sites; and mason bees a few plants that benefit from bee (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities pollinators. that they find in stems and dead wood. Cactus bees (Diadasia spp.) Most of us are familiar with the are also solitary ground nesters. colonies of honey bees that have been the workhorses of agricultural Photo courtesy of Becky Erickson Becky of courtesy Photo Butter fl ies A bee foraging on a Columbine flower pollination for years in the United Gardeners have been attracting in Missouri. States. They were imported from Europe almost 400 years ago. butterflies to their gardens for some time. These insects tend to There are nearly 4000 species of be eye-catching, as are the flowers native ground and twig nesting bees that attract them. Position flowering in the U.S. Some form colonies plants where they have full sun and while others live and work a solitary are protected from the wind. Also, life. Native bees currently pollinate you will need to provide open areas A Viceroy butterfly pollinating many crops and can be encouraged Joe Pye weed, native to Iowa. (e.g. bare earth, large stones) where to do more to support agricultural butterflies may bask, and moist soil endeavors if their needs for nesting from which they may get needed habitat are met and if suitable minerals. By providing a safe place sources of nectar, pollen, and water to eat and nest, gardeners can also are provided. Bees have tongues of support the pollination role that varying lengths that help determine butterflies play in the landscape. It which flowers they can obtain might mean accepting slight damage nectar and pollen from. to the plants, known as host plants, The bumble bee (Bombus spp.) that provide food for the larval forms small colonies, usually stage of the butterfly. underground. They are generalists, A diverse group of butterflies feeding on a wide range of are present in garden areas and plant material from February woodland edges that provide bright to November and are important flowers, water sources, and specific pollinators of tomatoes. The host plants. Numerous trees, shrubs, sweat bee (family Halictidae) nests and herbaceous plants support underground. Various species are butterfly populations. solitary while others form loose
Photo courtesy of MJ Hatfield MJ of courtesy Photo colonies. Butterflies are in the Order
8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Lepidoptera. Some of the species beetle watching isn’t as inspiring cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), in the Prairie Parkland are as butterfly or bird watching. Yet goldenrod (Solidago spp.), and Brush-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, and Sulphur butterflies. because they can leave a mess They usually look for flowers that behind, damaging plant parts that Bir ds provide a good landing platform. they eat. Beetles are not as efficient Hummingbirds are the primary as some pollinators. They wander Wet mud areas provide butterflies birds which play a role in between different species, often with both the moisture and pollination in North America. Their dropping pollen as they go. minerals they need to stay healthy. long beaks and tongues draw nectar Butterflies eat rotten fruit and even Beetle pollinated plants tend to be from tubular flowers. Pollen is dung, so don’t clean up all the large, strong scented flowers with carried on both the beaks and messes in your garden! their sexual organs exposed. They feathers of different hummingbirds. are known to pollinate Magnolia, The regions closer to the tropics, Moths sweetshrub (Calycanthus), paw with warmer climates, boast the paws, and yellow pond lilies. largest number of hummingbird Moths are most easily distinguished species and the greatest number of from butterflies by their antennae. native plants to support the bird’s Butterfly antennae are simple with a Flies need for food. White-winged doves swelling at the end. Moth antennae It may be hard to imagine why one (Zenaida asiatica) are also pollinators differ from simple to featherlike, would want to attract flies to the of the saguaro cactus (Carnegeia but never have a swelling at the garden. However, like beetles, the gigantea) in the south central United tip. In addition, butterflies typically number of fly species and the fact States. are active during the day; moths at that flies are generalist pollinators night. Butterfly bodies are not very (visit many species of plants), Bright colored tubular flowers hairy, while moth bodies are quite should encourage us all to leave attract hummingbirds to gardens hairy and more stout. those flies alone and let them do throughout the United States. their job as pollinators. Hummingbirds can see the color Moths, generally less colorful red; bees can not. Many tropical than butterflies, also play a role Recent research indicates that flies flowers, grown as annuals in the in pollination. They are attracted primarily pollinate small flowers Prarie Parkland, along with native to flowers that are strongly sweet that bloom under shade and in woodland edge plants, attract smelling, open in late afternoon or seasonally moist habitats. The hummingbirds. night, and are typically white or National Research Council’s Status pale colored. of Pollinators in North America study states that flies are economically Bats important as pollinators for a range Though bats in the Prairie Parkland Beetles of annual and bulbous ornamental are not pollinators, bats play an Over 30,000 species of beetles flowers. important role in pollination in the are found in the United States southwest where they feed on agave Plants pollinated by the fly and many of them can be found and cactus. The long-nosed bat’s include the American pawpaw on flower heads. Gardeners have head shape and long tongue allows (Asimina triloba), dead horse arum yet to intentionally draw beetles it to delve into flower blossoms and (Helicodiceros muscivorus), skunk to their gardens, possibly because extract both pollen and nectar.
Prairie Parkland, Temperate Province 9 Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Plant Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind Which Flowers Trait D o th e Pale and dull to Dull green, brown, or Pollinators Bright white, Scarlet, orange, Dull white, green Dull white or Bright, including dark brown or purple; Pale and dull red, colorless; pr e f e r ? yellow, red Color or purple green red and purple flecked with translucent purple, pink or white petals absent blue, or UV or white Not all pollinators are found patches or reduced 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 Absent Present Absent Absent Absent to understand the plants and guides pollinators where you live. Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; Plants can be grouped together Odor None Faint but fresh Putrid None based on the similar characteristics emitted at night pleasant fruity or fetid emitted at night of their flowers. These floral characteristics can be useful to Abundant; Sometimes predict the type of pollination Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply method or animal that is most somewhat Usually present present; Usually absent None Nectar hidden hidden hidden effective for that group of plants. hidden not hidden This association between floral characteristics and pollination method is called a pollination Limited; often Abundant; small, syndrome Ample sticky Ample Modest Limited Modest in amount Limited Pollen smooth, and not sticky and scented The interactions of animal pollinators and plants have influenced the evolution of both groups of organisms. A mutualistic Regular; bowl Shallow; have Large funnel Narrow tube with Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and relationship between the pollinator Flower shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide and the plant species helps the Shape Magnolia complex and trap-like without a lip stigmas exerted pollinator find necessary pollen and during day tubular perch support landing pad 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: 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
Prairie Parkland, Temperate 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 p. 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 Far ms
Soybean, alfalfa, apples, pumpkins, weeds can provide needed food for and squash are a few of the food pollinators. “ food supplies for crops in the Prairie Parkland that • Minimize tillage to protect ground can benefit from strong native bee nesting pollinators. populations that boost pollination • Ensure water sources are scattered bees are critical rates. Incorporate different plants throughout the landscape. throughout the farm that provide • Choose a variety of native plants to food for native populations when act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, to maintaining targeted crops are not in flower. and field borders throughout the farm. Farmers have many opportunities • Plant unused areas of the farm to incorporate pollinator-friendly with temporary cover crops that strong hives land management practices on their can provide food or with a variety land which will benefit the farmer of trees, shrubs, and flowers that in achieving his or her production provide both food and shelter for for almond goals: pollinators. • Manage the use of pesticides • Check with your local Natural to reduce the impact on native Resoures Conservation Service pollination pollinators. Spray when bees aren’t (NRCS) office to see what technical active (just after dawn) and choose and financial support might be targeted ingredients. available to assist you in your effort to • Carefully consider the use of provide nectar, pollen, and larval food the following herbicides. Perhaps the targeted sources for pollinators on your farm. winter .” -- Dan Cummings, Chico, California almond grower. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert Carolyn by Illustrations
Prairie Parkland, Temperate Province 13 Public Lands
“ From
hummingbirds
to beetles, to
butterfl ies,
nature’s
pollinators help
keep Midewin’s
Tallgrass prairie Public lands are maintained for of pollinators the land manager can: restorations specific reasons ranging from high • Inventory and become impact recreation to conservation. knowledgeable of local pollinators. full of diverse In the Prairie Parkland, forests • Provide connectivity between have been cut to allow for roads, vegetation areas by creating buildings, open lawn areas, boat corridors of perennials, shrubs, and fl owering ramps, and vistas. Less disturbed trees that provide pollinators shelter natural areas can be augmented with and food as they move through the plants. Insect plantings of native plant species. landscape. Existing plantings around buildings • Maintain a minimum of lawn areas monitoring and parking areas should be that support recreational needs. evaluated to determine if pollinator- • Restrict the use of pesticides and provides a key friendly plants can be substituted herbicides. or added to attract and support • Provide water sources in large pollinators. Public land managers open areas. measure of our have a unique opportunity to use • Maintain natural meadows and their plantings as an education openings that provide habitats for success.” tool to help others understand sun-loving wildflowers and grasses. the importance of pollinators in • Remove invasive species and -- Logan Lee the environment through signs, encroaching shrubs and trees. Prairie Supervisor, Midewin brochures, and public programs. National Tallgrass Prairie In an effort to increase populations
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.
Prairie Parkland, Temperate Province 15 BLOOM PERIODS F OR TH E Prairie Parkland, Temperate 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.”
Botanical Name Common Name March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Trees and Shrubs red, red, orange, orange, Acer spp. maple greenish greenish yellow yellow yellow, yellow, yellow, yellow, yellow, Salix spp. willow green green green green green white, white, white, white, white, Rhus spp. sumac yellow- yellow- yellow- yellow- yellow- green green green green green pink to pink to Cercis canadensis eastern redbud lav lav Prunus spp. chokecherry white white white white pale pale Rosa spp.* rose (wild types) pale pink pale pink pink pink Ceanothus New Jersey tea white white white white white americanus Rubus spp. blackberry, raspberry white white Crataegus spp. hawthorn white white Spiraea alba white meadowsweet white white white white Amorpha canescens leadplant purple purple Cephalanthus creamy creamy buttonbush occidentalis white white Perennial Flowers blue- blue- blue- blue- Baptisia bracteata longbract wild indigo purple purple purple purple pink, pink, pink, pink, Phlox spp. phlox purple, purple, purple, purple, white white white white Anemone spp. anemone, thimbleweed white white white white blue- blue- blue- blue- Lupinus perennis lupine, sundial lupine purple purple purple purple Aquilegia red & red & red & red & wild columbine canadensis yellow yellow yellow yellow white, white, white, white, white, white, bee-balm, wild yellow, yellow, yellow, yellow, yellow, yellow, Monarda spp. bergamot, horsemint pink, pink, pink, pink, pink, pink, purple purple purple purple purple purple *Rosa multiflora is an invasive species.
16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Name Common Name March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Perennial Flowers continued Coreopsis spp. tickseed yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow Asteracea (Aster sunflower, black-eyed yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow family) susan, goldenrod Viola spp. volets blue blue pale pale pale pale Asclepias syriaca common milkweed purple purple purple purple purple, purple, purple, purple, purple, Oenothera spp. evening-primrose yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow white, white, white, white, Penstemon spp. beardtongue pink pink pink pink yellow yellow milkweed, butterfly yellow to Asclepias tuberosa to to weed orange orange orange Asclepias sullivantii prairie milkweed pink pink pink pink to pink to pink to pink to pink to Asclepias incarnata swamp milkweed reddish reddish reddish reddish reddish Dalea spp. white, white, white, white, prairie clover (syn. Petalostemum) purple purple purple purple rose rose rose Echinacea purpurea purple coneflower purple purple purple pink, pink, pink, pink, Joe-Pye weed, boneset, Eupatorium spp. purple, purple, purple, purple, thoroughwort white white white white red, blue- red, blue- red, blue- red, blue- Lobelia spp. cardinal flower violet violet violet violet Lilium michiganense Michigan lily orange orange pink, pink, pink, pink, Vernonia spp. ironweed purple purple purple purple white, white, white, white, Symphyotrichum spp. aster blue, blue, blue, blue, violet violet violet violet prairie-dock, compass Silphium spp. yellow yellow yellow plant, rosinweed white, white, white, Gentiana spp. gentian blue, blue, blue, pruple pruple pruple pink- pink- pink- Liatris spp. blazing star, greyfeather purple purple purple Vines orange- orange- orange- Campsis radicans trumpet vine or creeper red red red
Prairie Parkland, Temperate Province 17 Plants that attract pollinators i n TH E PRAIRIE PARKLAND, TEMPERATE 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. Also a Flower Visitation by host plant Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Sun Soil see pgs Season pollinators 20-21 Trees and Shrubs red,orange, sun to part moist, well Acer spp. maple, box elder greenish 40-70’ Mar-Apr bees shade drained yellow dry to Amorpha canescens leadplant purple 1-3’ Jun-Jul part shade bees moist Ceanothus varies sun to part dry well New Jersey tea white 3-4’ bees X americanus May-Sep shade drained Cephalanthus sun to part butterflies, buttonbush creamy white 6-12’ Jul-Aug wet occidentalis shade bees sun to part moist well butterflies, Cercis canadensis eastern redbud pink-lavendar 20-30’ Apr-May X shade drained bees sun to part dry to butterflies, Crataegus spp. hawthorn white 12-36’ May-Jun X shade moist bees wild cherry, wild plum, sun to part butterflies, Prunus spp. white 12-72’ Apr-Jul dry X chokecherry shade bees white, sun to part butterflies, Rhus spp. sumac 5-25’ Apr-Aug dry yellow-green shade bees med wet to sun to part Rosa spp. rose (wild types) pale pink 1-8’ May-Aug wet, well bees shade drained dry to butterflies, Rubus spp. blackberry, raspberry white 6-12’ May-Jun part shade moist bees Salix spp. willow yellow, green 12-70’ Mar-Jul sun to shade moist bees X Spiraea alba white meadowsweet white 6-12’ Jun-Sep sun wet bees X Perennial Flowers sun to part dry to Anemone spp. anemone, thimbleweed white 1-3’ Mar-Jun bees, flies shade moist butterflies, part shade, sandy, well Aquilegia canadensis wild columbine red & yellow 1-3’ Apr-Jul bees, moths, X shade drained hummingbirds butterflies, pink to sun to part Asclepias incarnata swamp milkweed 4-5’ Jun-Oct moist bees, X reddish shade hummingbirds Aesclepias sullivantii prairie millweed pink 1-3’ Jun-Aug sun moist butterflies X Asclepias syriaca common milkweed pale purple 2-3’ May-Aug sun moist butterflies X milkweed, butterfly yellow to sun to part butterflies, Asclepias tuberosa 1-2’ May-Jul dry X weed orange shade hummiingbirds dry to Baptisia bracteata longbract wild indigo blue-purple 3-6’ Mar-Jun part shade bees X moist sun to part dry to butterflies, Coreopsis spp. tickseed yellow 1-7’ Apr-Sep shade moist bees
18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Also a Flower Visitation by host plant Botanical Name Common Name Color Height Sun Soil see pgs Season pollinators 20-21 Perennial Flowers continued Dalea spp. (syn. prairie clover white, purple 1-3’ Jun-Sep sun dry bees Petalostemum) med sun to part butterflies, Echinacea purpurea purple coneflower rose-purple 2-4’ Jun-Aug wet, well shade bees, beetles drained average Joe-Pye weed, boneset, pink, purple, sun to part butterflies, Eupatorium spp. 1-10’ Jul-Oct medium thoroughwort white shade bees wet to wet whte, blue, Gentiana spp. gentian 1-3’ Aug-Oct part shade wet bees pruple dry to med sun to part butterflies, Helianthus spp. sunflower yellow 1-10’ Jul-Oct wet, well X shade bees drained lav to rose- sun to part dry to butterflies, Liatris spp. blazing star 1-6’ Aug-Oct purple shade moist bees Lilium michiganense Michigan lily orange 2-6’ Jul-Aug part shade moist hummingbirds butterflies, red or blue sun to part Lobelia spp. cardinal flower 2-3’ Jul-Oct moist bees, violet shade hummingbirds butterflies, sun to part Lupinus perennis lupine, sundial lupine blue- purple 1-3’ Apr-Jul dry sandy hummingbirds, shade bees butterflies, bee-balm, wild white, yellow, sun to part Monarda spp. 1-3’ Apr-Sep moist bees, bergamot, horsemint pink, purple shade hummingbirds purple, sun to part Oenothera spp. evening-primrose 1-3’ May-Sep dry to wet moths yellow shade butterfiles, Penstemon spp. beardtongue white, pink 1-5’ May-Aug part shade dry hummingbirds, X bees butterflies, pink, purple, sun to part Phlox spp. phlox 1-3’ Mar-Jun dry hummingbirds, white shade bees black-eyed susan, sun to part butterflies, Rudbeckia spp. yellow 1-6’ May-Oct moist X coneflower shade bees prairie-dock, compass Silphium spp. yellow 3-8’ Jul-Sep sun dry to wet bees, flies plant, rosinweed sun to part dry to butterflies, Solidago spp. goldenrod yellow 1-6’ Jun-Oct shade moist bees white, blue, sun to part butterflies, Symphyotrichum spp. aster 1-6’ Jul-Oct dry to wet purple shade bees butterflies, Vernonia spp. ironweed pink, purple 3-8’ Jul-Oct sun moist X bees sun or filtered butterflies, Viola spp. violets blue 3-8” May-Jun dry to wet X shade bees Vines sun to part moist, well Campsis radicans trumpet vine or creeper orange-red to 35’ Jul-Sep hummingbirds shade drained
Prairie Parkland, Temperate Province 19 HOST Plants F OR TH E PRAIRIE PARKLAND, TEMPERATE 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 Butterfly Family Subfamily Common Name Scientific Name Larval Food Plants Many plants in the pea family including yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis), Blues (Polyommatinae) Eastern-Tailed Blue Cupido comyntas alfalfa (Medicago sativa); various species of vetch (Vicia spp.), clover (Trifolium spp.), wild pea (Lathyrus spp.), and bush clover (Lespedeza spp.)
) Flowers of a variety of woody shrubs and occasionally herbs including dogwood Spring Azure Celastrina ladon (Cornus spp.), New Jersey tea (Ceanothus spp.), and meadowsweet (Spiraea spp.) Hairstreaks (Theclinae) Henry’s Elfin Callophrys henrici Huckleberries and blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), redbud (Cercis canadensis) Hickory Hairstreak Satyrium caryaevorus Mostly hickory (Carya spp.); also ash (Fraxinus spp.), and oak (Quercus spp.)
Lycaenidae Satyrium calanus
( Banded Hairstreak Many species of oak (Quercus spp.), walnut (Juglans spp.), and hickory (Carya spp.) Several woody trees and shrubs in the rose (Rosaceae) family including
Gossamer-wing Butterflies Gossamer-wing Striped Hairstreak Satyrium liparops American plum (Prunus americana); also reports for hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), oak (Quercus spp.), and willow (Salix spp.) Emperors (Apaturinae) Hackberry Emporer Asterocampa celtis Various hackberries (Celtis spp.) and sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) Trees of the elm family including common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), dwarf Tawny Emperor Asterocampa clyton hackberry (C. tenuifolia), and sugarberry (C. laevigata) Longwings Regal Fritillary Speyeria idalia Violets (Viola spp.) including bird’s foot violet (V. pedata) (Heliconiinae) Violets (Viola spp.) including smooth white violet (V. macloskeyi ssp. pallens) Meadow Fritillary Boloria bellona and woolly blue violet (V. sororia) Silver-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene Violets (Viola spp.) including northern bog violet (V. nephrophylla) Speyeria cybele
) Great Spangled Fritillary Violets (Viola spp.) A variety of plants in several families including maypops (Passiflora incarnata), Variegated Fritillary Euptoieta claudia mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), violets (Viola spp.), and common moonseed (Menispermum canadense) Milkweed Butterflies Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), common milkweed (A. syriaca), Monarch Danaus plexippus (Daninae) butterfly weed A.( tuberosa), and prairie milkweed (A. sullivantii) Nymphalidae Snouts (Libytheinae) American Snout Libytheana carinenta Hackberry (Celtis spp.) True Brushfoots Polygonia American elm (Ulmus americana), red elm (Ulmus rubra), hackberry (Celtis Question Mark (Nymphailinae) interrogationis spp.), nettles (Urtica spp.), and false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica) Turtlehead (Chelone glabra), hairy beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus), English plantain (Plantago lanceolata), and false foxglove (Aureolaria spp.). After Baltimore Euphydryas phaeton overwintering, caterpillars may continue to use these plants, but may also wander and feed on unrelated plants including common lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis), and white ash (Fraxinus americana)
Brush-footed butterflies ( Many plants including thistles (Asteraceae), hollyhock and mallow (Malvaceae), Painted Lady Vanessa cardui and legumes (Fabaceae) Many composites including black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta), sunflowers Silvery Cherckerspot Chlosyne nycteis (Helianthus spp.) Plants of the nettle family (Urticaceae) including stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta wood nettle (Laportea canadensis), false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), pellitory (Parietaria pensylvanica), and possibly hops (Humulus lupulus) Willows including black willow (Salix nigra) and silky willow (S. sericea); also American Morning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa elm (Ulmus americana), cottonwood (Populus deltoides), aspen (P. tremuloides), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), and common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Host Plants continued
Note for all charts: When more than one species of the same genus is useful, the genus name is followed by “spp.”
Butterfly Butterfly Family Subfamily Common Name Scientific Name Larval Food Plants Gray Comma Polygonia progne azalea (Rhododendron spp.) Plants in the aster family (Asteraceae) including everlasting (Pseudognaphalium American Lady Vanessa virginiensis obtusifolium), pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea), plantain-leaf pussy toes (Antennaria plantaginifolia), wormwood (Artemisia ssp.), ironweed (Vernonia ssp.)
continued Trees in the willow family (Salicaceae) including willows (Salix spp.), and poplars Admirals & Relatives Viceroy Limenitis archippus and cottonwoods (Populus spp.) Leaves of many species of trees and shrubs including wild cherry (Prunus spp.), Brush-footed Red Spotted Purple or aspen, poplar, cottonwood (Populus spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), hawthorn butterflies Limenitis arthemis White Admiral (Crataegus spp.), birch (Betula spp.), willows (Salix spp.), basswood (Tilia americana), and shadbush (Amelanchier spp.) Spread-wing Skippers Columbine Dustywing Erynnis lucilius Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) (Pyrginae)
Mottled Dustywing Erynnis martialis New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) and Jersey tea (Ceanothus herbaceus) Common Checkered- Several plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae) including alkali mallows Pyrgus communis Skipper (Sida spp.), and poppy mallow (Callirhoe spp.)
) Grass Skippers Powesheik Skipperling Oarisma powesheik Spikerush (Eleocharis elliptica) (Hesperiinae) Fall witchgrass (Digitaria cognata), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Ottoe Skipper Hesperia ottoe and other grasses ) Crossline Skipper Polites origenes Purpletop (Tridens flavus), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and other grasses.
Papilionidae Byssus Skipper Problema byssus Eastern grama grass (Tripsacum dactyloides) Swallowtails Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), sassafras trees (Sassafras albidum); perhaps Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus (Paplioninae) prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)
Hesperiidae Shrubs of the pawpaw genus (Asimina) in the custard-apple family Zebra Swallowtail Eurytides marcellus (Annonaceae). Young plants are preferred. Eastern Tiger Leaves of various plants including wild cherry (Prunus spp.), basswood (Tilia Papilio glaucus
Skippers ( Skippers Swallowtail americana), birch (Betula ssp.), cottonwood (Populus spp.), and willow (Salix spp.) Trees and herbs of the citrus family (Rutaceae) including Citrus species, and hop Giant Swallowtail Papilio cresphontes tree (Ptelea trifoliata)
Parnassians & Swallowtails ( Swallowtails & Parnassians Satyrs and Wood- Common Wood Nymph Cercyonis pegala Purpletop (Tridens flavus) and other grasses Nymphs (Satyrinae) Various grasses including whitegrass (Leersia virginica), bearded shorthusk Northern Pearly Eye Enodia anthedon (Brachyelytrum erectum), and eastern bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix) Various sedges including upright sedge (Carex stricta), hop sedge (C. lupulina), Eyed Brown Satyrodes eurydice bromlike sedge (C. bromoides), and hairyfruit sedge (C. trichocarpa) in the sedge family (Cyperaceae)
Whites & Low-growing plants in the aster family (Asteraceae) especially, sneezeweed Sulphurs Sulphurs (Coliadinae) Dainty Sulphur Nathalis iole (Helenium spp.), and cultivated marigold (Tagetes) (Pieridae)
Prairie Parkland, Temperate 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 R e sou r ce s
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, Bailey’s Ecoregion Maps www.nps.gov/plants/sos MT: NBII Mountain Prairie Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Information Node. USDA Forest Service Center www.butterfliesandmoths.org/ http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ www.wildflower.org/plants/ (Version 07192007) ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html USDA Hardiness Zone Map Pyle, Robert Michael. 1981. National www.usna.usda/Hardzone/ Audubon Society Field Guide to Pollination/Pollinators U.S. National Arboretum Butterflies. Alfred A. Knopf: New www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ York, NY. Pollinator Partnership ushzmap.html www.pollinator.org North American Buterfly Association Coevolution Institute USDA, NRCS. 2007. The PLANTS www.naba.org www.coevolution.org Database Natural Resources www.plants.usda.gov, 19 July, 2007 Conservation Service National Plant Data Center, Feedback www.nrcs.usda.gov Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA We need your help to create better North American Pollinator guides for other parts of North Protection Campaign Native Bees www.nappc.org America. Please e-mail your input to [email protected] USDA Forest Service National Sustainable Information or fax to 415-362-3070. www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/ Service “Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees” Wild Farm Alliance n How will you use this guide? www.wildfarmalliance.org by Lane Greer, NCAT Agriculture Specialist, Published 1999, ATTRA The Xerces Society Publication #IP126 n Do you find the directions www.xerces.org www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/ clear? If not, please tell us Illinois Natural History Survey nativebee.html what is unclear. 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. Island Press: Washington, DC. htm?docid=12052 n Any other comments? Committee on the Status of Pollinators in North America. 2007. Thank you Status of Pollinators in North America The National Academies Press: for taking Washington, DC. the time to help!
Prairie Parkland, Temperate Province 23 Research and Writing: Elizabeth L. Ley NAPPC Editorial: Laurie Davies Adams and Larry Stritch, Ph.D.
Production Supervision: Katherine McGuire
Design: Marguerite Meyer
Concept review: American Farm Bureau Federation, Ron Gaskell Bureau of Land Management, Peggy Olwell, Carol Spurrier, Plant Conservation Alliance 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
Photographers: Becky Erickson, MJ Hatfield
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.orgSelecting Plants for Pollinators