Selecting
Plants
for
Pollinators
A Regional Guide for Farmers, Land Managers, and Gardeners In the
Sierran Steppe
Mixed Forest
Coniferous Forest
Alpine Meadow
Province
Including Parts of
California and NAPPC and Oregon Table of CONTENTS
Why Support Pollinators? 4
Getting Started 5
Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest 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
Habitat Hints 20
Check list 22
This is one of several guides for different regions in the United Resources and Feedback 23 States. We welcome your feedback to assist us in making the future guides useful. Please contact us at [email protected]
Cover: Trinity Alps, California mountains and meadow courtesy 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
Sierran Steppe
Mixed Forest
Coniferous Forest
Alpine Meadow Province
Including Parts of
California and Oregon
a nappc and Pollinator Partnership™ Publication
This guide was funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the C.S. Fund, the Plant Conservation Alliance, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management with oversight by the Pollinator Partnership™ (www.pollinator.org), in support of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC–www.nappc.org).
Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow 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 Blueberries, strawberries, peaches, and pears are some of the crops raised in the Sierran Steppe–Mixed Forest 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.
Laurie Davies Adams Executive Director Pollinator Partnership
4 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Getting Started
This regional guide is just one throughout large areas. This guide by pine and oak woodlands in a series of plant selection tools addresses pollinator-friendly land interspersed with scrub or designed to provide information management practices in what chaparral. Montane zones begin on how individuals can influence is known as the Sierran Steppe, at higher elevations the further pollinator populations through Mixed Forest, Coniferous Forest, along south, with pines, firs, cedars, choices they make when they farm Alpine Meadow Province. and a few stunning giant sequoia a plot of ground, manage large This 68,300 square mile province groves (on the western slope.) The tracts of public land, or plant a extends from California into subalpine zone timberline varies garden. Each of us can have a southern Oregon and is primarily from about 7,000 feet in the north positive impact by providing the composed of steep and glaciated to 10,000 feet in the south and is essential habitat requirements for mountain ranges and valleys with comprised of mountain hemlock, pollinators including food, water, distinct features varying from California red fir, and pine. There shelter, and enough space to allow west to east. The western slopes are no trees in the alpine zone. pollinators to raise their young. rise from 1,500 to over 14,000 feet Long before there were homes Pollinators travel through the and drop precipitously in the east and farms in this area, the original, landscape without regard to to around 4,000 feet. The climate natural vegetation provided property ownership or state is characterized by dry summer continuous cover and adjacent boundaries. We’ve chosen to use and wet winter seasons which feeding opportunities for wildlife, R.G. Bailey’s classification system are longer and drier in the east including pollinators. In choosing to identify the geographic focus and at lower elevations. Annual plants, aim to create habitat for of this guide and to underscore temperatures average from 35° to pollinators that allow adequate food the connections between climate 52°F, falling with rising elevation. shelter, and water sources. Most and vegetation types that affect Annual rainfall ranges from 10 to pollinators have very small home the diversity of pollinators in the 15 inches at the base of the western ranges. You can make a difference environment. slope rising to 70 inches where it is by understanding the vegetation patterns of the farm, forest, or Bailey’s Ecoregions of the United mostly snow. neighbor’s yard adjacent to you States, developed by the United This province is characterized and by making planting choices States Forest Service, is a system by vertical vegetational zonation. that support the pollinators’ need created as a management tool Conifers and shrubs cover the for food and shelter as they move and is used to predict responses lower slopes and foothills to 4,000 through the landscape. to land management practices feet. Higher slopes are dominated
Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 5 Understanding the Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest
n This region is designated number M261 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 68,300 square miles within California and southern Oregon.
n Primarily steep forested mountains and valleys.
n Elevations ranging from 1,500 to over 14,000 feet.
n Average annual temperature range from 35°F to 52°F but falls with increasing elevation.
n Average year-round precipitation between 10-15 inches, rising to 70 inches (mostly in the form of snow) at higher elevations.
n USDA Hardiness Zones 5b-9b.
Characteristics
n Distinguished by vertical zonation with the lower limits of each zone rising in elevation toward the south.
n Common tree species include blue oak, digger pine, ponderosa pine, Jeffrey pine, sugar pine, Douglas-fir, California red fir, incense cedar, lodgepole pine, whitebark pine, and western white pine.
n Sierran ecosystems are buckling under pressure from loggers, miners, ranchers, water diverters, off-road-vehicle enthusiasts, and resort developers.
6 Selecting Plants for Pollinators The Sierran Steppe, Mixed Forest, “ Adding native plantings in riparian areas Coniferous Forest, Alpine Meadow Province to improve pollinator habitat makes includes parts of: sense in advancing our family farm’s California and Oregon conservation and economic objectives,
enhancing beneficial wildlife and
improving pollination in our orchard and garden.”
--Lee McDaniel, Farmer and President, National Association of Conservation Districts
Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 7 Meet the Pollinators Who are the Solitary bees include carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.), which nest in wood; pollinators? digger, or polyester bees (Colletes spp.), which nest underground; Bees leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), Bees are well documented which prefer dead trees or branches pollinators in the natural and for their nest sites; and mason bees agricultural systems of the Sierran (Osmia spp.), which utilize cavities Steppe–Mixed Forest. A wide that they find in stems and dead range of crops including blueberries, wood. Cactus bees (Diadasia spp.) strawberries, peaches and pears are are also solitary ground nesters. just a few plants that benefit from bee pollinators. Butter fl ies Most of us are familiar with the Gardeners have been attracting colonies of honey bees that have butterflies to their gardens for some been the workhorses of agricultural time. These insects tend to be eye- Bumble bee on flower. pollination for years in the United catching, as are the flowers that States. They were imported from attract them. Position flowering Europe almost 400 years ago. plants where they have full sun and There are nearly 4000 species of are protected from the wind. Also, Anna’s hummingbird. native ground and twig nesting bees you will need to provide open areas in the U.S. Some form colonies (e.g. bare earth, large stones) where while others live and work a solitary butterflies may bask, and moist soil life. Native bees currently pollinate from which they may get needed many crops and can be encouraged minerals. By providing a safe place to do more to support agricultural to eat and nest, gardeners can also endeavors if their needs for nesting support the pollination role that habitat are met and if suitable butterflies play in the landscape. It sources of nectar, pollen, and water might mean accepting slight damage Juba Skipper butterfly. are provided. Bees have tongues of to the plants, known as host plants, varying lengths that help determine that provide food for the larval stage which flowers they can obtain nectar of the butterfly. and pollen from. A diverse group of butterflies The bumble bee (Bombus spp.) forms are present in garden areas and small colonies, usually underground. woodland edges that provide bright They are generalists, feeding on a flowers, water sources, and specific wide range of plant material from host plants. Numerous trees, shrubs, February to November and are and herbaceous plants support important pollinators of tomatoes. butterfly populations. The sweat bee (family Halictidae) Butterflies are in the Order nests underground. Various species Lepidoptera. Some of the species are solitary while others form loose
Photo Kim Davis & Mike Stangeland Mike & Davis Kim Photo in the Sierran Steppe–Mixed colonies.
8 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Forest are California Tortoiseshell, as butterfly or bird watching. Yet members of the carrot family like Western Pine Elfin, Green Comma, beetles do play a role in pollination. Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota). California Dogface, Juba Skipper, Some have a bad reputation because and Mormon Metalmark butterflies. they can leave a mess behind, They usually look for flowers that damaging plant parts that they eat. Bir ds provide a good landing platform. Beetles are not as efficient as some Hummingbirds are the primary pollinators. They wander between birds which play a role in pollination Wet mud areas provide butterflies different species, often dropping in North America. Their long beaks with both the moisture and pollen as they go. and tongues draw nectar from minerals they need to stay healthy. tubular flowers. Pollen is carried Butterflies eat rotten fruit and even Beetle pollinated plants tend to be on both the beaks and feathers dung, so don’t clean up all the large, strong scented flowers with of different hummingbirds. The messes in your garden! their sexual organs exposed. They regions closer to the tropics, with are known to pollinate Magnolia, warmer climates, boast the largest sweetshrub (Calycanthus), paw number of hummingbird species Moths paws, and yellow pond lilies. and the greatest number of native Moths are most easily distinguished plants to support the bird’s need for from butterflies by their antennae. food. White-winged doves (Zenaida Butterfly antennae are simple with a Flies asiatica) are also pollinators of the swelling at the end. Moth antennae It may be hard to imagine why one saguaro cactus (Carnegeia gigantea) in differ from simple to featherlike, would want to attract flies to the the south central United States. but never have a swelling at the garden. However, like beetles, the tip. In addition, butterflies typically number of fly species and the fact Bright colored tubular flowers are active during the day; moths at that flies are generalist pollinators attract hummingbirds to gardens night. Butterfly bodies are not very (visit many species of plants), throughout the United States. hairy, while moth bodies are quite should encourage us all to leave Hummingbirds can see the hairy and more stout. those flies alone and let them do color red; bees cannot. Scarlet their job as pollinators. Monkeyflower growing in the Moths, generally less colorful Sierran Steppe–Mixed Forest is one than butterflies, also play a role Recent research indicates that flies nectar plant that attracts Anna’s and in pollination. They are attracted primarily pollinate small flowers Blackchinned hummingbirds. to flowers that are strongly sweet that bloom under shade and in smelling, open in late afternoon or seasonally moist habitats. The night, and are typically white or National Research Council’s Status Bats pale colored. of Pollinators in North America study Though bats in the Sierran Steppe– states that flies are economically Mixed Forest are not pollinators, important as pollinators for a range bats play an important role in Beetles of annual and bulbous ornamental pollination in the other regions Over 30,000 species of beetles are flowers. of the southwest where they feed found in the United States and Plants pollinated by the fly on agave and cactus. The long- many of them can be found on include the American pawpaw nosed bats’ head shape and long flower heads. Gardeners have yet (Asimina triloba), dead horse arum tongue allows it to delve into flower to intentionally draw beetles to their (Helicodiceros muscivorus), skunk blossoms and extract both pollen gardens, possibly because beetle cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), and nectar. watching isn’t as inspiring goldenrod (Solidago spp.), and
Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 9 Plant Traits and the Pollinators they Attract Pollinator Plant Which Flowers Bats Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies Flies Moths Wind D o th e Trait Pollinators pr e f e r ? 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 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 and some are more important patches or reduced 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 based on the similar characteristics Strong musty; Fresh, mild, None to strongly Strong sweet; 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 effective for that group of plants. Ample; deeply Ample; deeply Ample; deeply 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 Flower Large bowl-like, Shallow; funnel like or Regular; tubular Regular; small and pollinator find necessary pollen and shaped – closed landing platform; like; cups, strong spur; wide 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
Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow 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 Far ms
Blueberries, strawberries, peaches weeds can provide needed food for and pears are a few of the food pollinators. “ food supplies for crops in the Sierran Steppe–Mixed • Minimize tillage to protect ground Forest Province that will benefit nesting pollinators. from strong native bee populations • Ensure water sources are scattered that boost pollination efficiency. throughout the landscape. bees are critical Incorporate different plants • Choose a variety of native plants to throughout the farm that provide act as windbreaks, riparian buffers, food for native populations when and field borders throughout the to maintaining targeted crops are not in flower. farm. • Plant unused areas of the farm Farmers have many opportunities with temporary cover crops that strong hives to incorporate pollinator-friendly can provide food or with a variety land management practices on their of trees, shrubs, and flowers that land which will benefit the farmer provide both food and shelter for in achieving his or her production pollinators. for almond goals: • Check with your local Natural • Manage the use of pesticides Resources Conservation Service to reduce the impact on native (NRCS) office to see what technical pollination pollinators. Spray when bees aren’t and financial support might be active (just after dawn) and choose available to assist you in your effort to targeted ingredients. provide nectar, pollen, and larval food the following • Carefully consider the use of sources for pollinators on your farm. herbicides. Perhaps the targeted winter .” -- Dan Cummings, Chico, California almond grower. Illustrations by Carolyn Vibbert Carolyn by Illustrations
Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow 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 Sierran Steppe–Mixed Forest, • Provide connectivity between forests have been cut to allow for TV vegetation areas by creating towers, off-road vehicles, ski resorts, corridors of perennials, shrubs, and fl owering and ridgetop homes. 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 property provides an essential on 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.
Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 15 BLOOM PERIODS F OR TH E Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest The following chart lists plants and the time they are in bloom throughout the growing seasons. Choose a variety of flower colors and make sure something is blooming at all times! Note for all charts: When more than one species of the same genus is useful, the genus name is followed by “spp.” Botanical Common Dec Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Name Name Trees & Shrubs Arbutus menziesii Pacific madrone white white white white to white to white to white to Arctostaphylos spp. manzanita to pink pink pink pink pink white to pink Calycanthus red- occidentalis western spicebush purple red-purple red-purple white, white, pink, pink, white, pink, white, pink, Ceanothus spp. wild-lilac blue, or blue, or blue, or blue, or purple purple purple purple bright Cercis occidentalis western redbud bright pink pink bright pink white bracts, white bracts, white bracts, Cornus nuttallii Pacific dogwood greenish greenish greenish center center center Eriodictyon white to californicum yerba santa white to pink pink Fremontodendron californicum flannel bush yellow yellow Heteromeles arbutifolia toyon white white Mimulus aurantiacus bush monkeyflower orange orange orange Philadelphus lewisii mockorange white white Prunus virginiana chokecherry white white Frangula californica California ssp. californica coffeeberry greenish greenish white, pale white, pale Rhododendron western azalea yellow to yellow to occidentale pink pink Ribes roezlii Sierra gooseberry red-purple red-purple Rosa californica wild rose pink pink Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis blue elderberry white white white white white white Spiraea densiflora mountain spiraea bright pink bright pink western snowdrop Styrax officinalis bush white white white Perennial Flowers white white white white Achillea millefolium yarrow white to to pale white to pale white to white to white to to pale to pale to pale pale pink pink pink pale pink pale pink pale pink pink pink pink Aconitum blue- columbianum western monkshood blue-purple blue-purple purple Aquilegia formosa red columbine red red red red red white to white to white to Asclepias speciosa showy milkweed white to pink pink pink pink Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense western aster violet violet violet violet violet Cirsium occidentale native thistles red red red western bleeding- Dicentra formosa heart pink pink pink pink pink Delphinium nudicaule canyon larkspur red red red red Epilobium canum California-fuchsia red red red red
16 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Common Dec Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Name Name white, white, white, white, Eriogonum spp. wild buckwheats white, pink, white, pink, white, pink, pink, or pink, or pink, or pink, or or yellow or yellow or yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow Eriophyllum lanatum woolly-sunflower yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow Eschscholzia California poppy yellow to to yellow to yellow to yellow to yellow to to to to californica orange orange orange orange orange orange orange orange orange Ipomopsis aggregata scarlet gilia red red red red Iris missouriensis western blue flag blue blue blue orange orange Lilium pardalinum leopard lily orange with with darker with darker darker spots spots spots Lupinus polyphyllus large-leaved lupine blue blue blue scarlet red- red- red- red- Mimulus cardinalis monkeyflower orange red-orange red-orange red-orange orange orange orange pale Monardella mountain- pale pink to pale pink to pink to odoratissima pennyroyal lavender lavender lavender Penstemon blue- heterophyllus foothill penstemon violet blue-violet blue-violet blue-violet Phlox speciosa showy phlox pink pink pink Ranunculus californicus California buttercup yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow California cone- Rudbeckia californica flower yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow Scrophularia reddish- reddish- reddish- reddish- reddish- reddish- californica California bee plant purple purple purple purple purple purple Sedum spathulifolium Pacific stonecrop yellow yellow yellow yellow Sidalcea malviflora checkermallow pink pink pink pink Silene californica Indian-pink red red red red Sisyrinchium narrow leaf blue- blue- blue- angustifolium eyed grass purple blue-purple purple blue-purple blue-purple blue-purple Solidago californica California goldenrod yellow yellow yellow yellow Thermopsis macrophylla golden-pea yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow with Triteleia ixioides pretty face with purple with purple with purple purple markings markings markings markings blue- Triteleia laxa Ithuriel’s spear violet blue-violet blue-violet Vines Aristolochia brownish- brownish- brownish- californica California pipevine purple purple purple western virgin’s Clematis ligusticifolia bower white white white white Lonicera ciliosa, orange, orange, L. hispidula vine honeysuckle pink orange, pink pink Annual Flowers Clarkia concinna red ribbons bright pink bright pink bright pink blue and blue and blue and blue and blue and Collinsia heterophylla Chinese houses white white white white white Gilia capitata ballhead blue gilia blue blue blue blue lavender lavender with Gilia tricolor bird’s eye gilia with dark dark center center white white with with white with white with white with Nemophila maculata fivespot purple purple purple purple purple blotches blotches blotches blotches blotches Nemophila menziesii baby blue eyes sky blue sky blue sky blue sky blue sky blue
Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 17 Plants that attract pollinators F OR TH E Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest 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.
Botanical Common Flower Visitation by Also a Color Height Sun Soil host Name Name Season Pollinator plant Trees & Shrubs Arbutus menziesii Pacific madrone white 20-50’ April-May sun to partial sun dry to moist, well drained bees, hummingbirds
Arctostaphylos spp. manzanita white to pink 2-8’ Dec.-May sun dry bees, hummingbirds
Calycanthus occidentalis western spicebush red-purple 6-10’ April-June partial sun to shade moist to wet beetles white, pink, blue, moist winter/spring, dry Ceanothus spp. wild-lilac or purple 6”-10’ March-June sun summer; good drainage bees, butterflies x bees, moths, Cercis occidentalis western redbud bright pink 10-18’ March-May sun to partial sun dry to moist hummingbirds white bracts, Cornus nuttallii Pacific dogwood greenish center 20-50’ April-June sun to shade dry to moist, acidic bees, moist winter/spring, dry Eriodictyon californicum yerba santa white to pink 4-6’ May-June sun summer; good drainage bees, Frangula californica ssp. californica California coffeeberry greenish 3-15’ May-June sun to partial sun dry to moist bees Fremontodendron moist winter/spring, dry californicum flannel bush yellow 8-20’ April-May sun to shade summer; good drainage bees Heteromeles arbutifolia toyon white 6-10’ May-June sun to partial sun moist, well drained bees, hummingbirds butterflies, Mimulus aurantiacus bush monkeyflower orange 2-4’ May-july sun to partial sun dry to moist hummingbirds x Philadelphus lewisii mockorange white 4-10’ May-June sun to partial sun dry to moist bees, butterflies
Prunus virginiana chokecherry white 5-20’ May-June sun dry to moist bees Rhododendron white, pale yellow occidentale western azalea to pink 6-10’ June-July shade to sun moist to wet bees, butterflies Ribes roezlii Sierra gooseberry red-purple 2-5’ May-June sun to partial sun dry to moist bees, hummingbirds
Rosa californica wild rose pink 3-6’ May-June sun to partial sun dry to moist bees, butterflies Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis blue elderberry white 8-20’ May-Oct. sun to partial sun moist bees, butterflies Spiraea densiflora mountain spiraea bright pink 2-3’ June-July sun to partial sun moist to wet butterflies x western snowdrop Styrax officinalis bush white 3-14’ April-June sun to partial sun dry bees, butterflies Perennial Flowers Achillea millefolium yarrow white to pale pink 1-2’ March-Nov. sun dry to moist bees, butterflies
Aconitum columbianum western monkshood blue-purple 1-6’ June-Aug. partial sun to shade moist to wet bees bees, hummingbirds, Aquilegia formosa red columbine red 1-4’ April-Aug. partial sun to sun moist to wet moths bees, beetles, Asclepias speciosa showy milkweed white to pink 1-3’ May-Aug. sun dry to moist butterflies x butterflies, Cirsium occidentale native thistles red 2-4’ June-Aug. sun dry hummingbirds x western bleeding- Dicentra formosa heart pink 1-2’ March-July partial sun to shade dry to moist bees, hummingbirds x Delphinium nudicaule canyon larkspur red 1-3’ March-June partial shade moist bees, hummingbirds
Epilobium canum California-fuchsia red 1-2’ July-Oct. sun dry hummingbirds white, pink, or bees, beetles, Eriogonum spp. wild buckwheats yellow 4”-4’ May-Nov. sun dry butterflies x moist winter/spring, dry Eriophyllum lanatum woolly-sunflower yellow 6-24” May-Aug. sun to partial sun summer; good drainage bees
18 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Botanical Common Flower Visitation by Also a Color Height Sun Soil host Name Name Season Pollinator plant moist winter/spring, dry Eschscholzia californica California poppy yellow to orange 6-24” March-Nov. sun to shade summer; good drainage bees Ipomopsis aggregata scarlet gilia red 1-2’ June-Sept. sun dry hummingbirds
Iris missouriensis western blue flag blue 1-2’ May-July sun to partial sun moist to wet bees, hummingbirds orange with bees, butterflies, Lilium pardalinum leopard lily darker spots 2-5’ May-July sun to partial sun moist to wet hummingbirds Lupinus polyphyllus large-leaved lupine blue 2-4’ May-July sun to partial sun dry to moist bees, butterflies x
Mimulus cardinalis scarlet monkeyflower red-orange 1-3’ April-Oct. sun to partial sun moist to wet hummingbirds pale pink to moist winter/spring, dry Monardella odoratissima mountain-pennyroyal lavender 1/2-2’ June-Aug. sun to partial sun summer; good drainage butterflies moist winter/spring, dry bees, butterflies, Penstemon heterophyllus foothill penstemon blue-violet 1-3’ April-July sun summer; good drainage hummingbirds x butterflies, flies, Phlox speciosa showy phlox pink 6-12” April-June sun to partial sun dry to moist hummingbirds Ranunculus californicus California buttercup yellow 1-2’ Feb.-July sun to partial sun dry to moist bees
Rudbeckia californica California cone-flower yellow 3-4’ March-July sun to partial sun moist to wet bees, butterflies butterflies, Scrophularia californica California bee plant reddish-purple 3-6’ Feb.-July partial sun to shade moist hummingbirds Sedum spathulifolium Pacific stonecrop yellow 2-12” April-July partial sun to shade dry to moist bees, butterflies moist winter/spring, dry Sidalcea malviflora checkermallow pink 1-3’ March-June sun to partial sun summer; good drainage bees Silene californica Indian-pink red 6-18” April-July sun to partial sun dry to moist hummingbirds Sisyrinchium narrow leaf blue-eyed angustifolium grass blue-purple 4-16” Feb.-July sun moist to wet bees Solidago californica California goldenrod yellow 1-3’ July-Oct. sun dry to moist bees, butterflies Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense western aster violet 1-3’ July-Nov. sun moist to wet bees, butterflies Thermopsis macrophylla golden-pea yellow 1-3’ April-June sun to partial sun dry to moist bees yellow with moist winter/spring, dry Triteleia ixioides pretty face purple markings 6-18” May-Aug. sun summer; good drainage bees moist winter/spring, dry Triteleia laxa Ithuriel’s spear blue-violet 1-2’ April-June sun summer; good drainage bees Vines beetles, butterflies, Aristolochia californica California pipevine brownish-purple 15’ Jan.-March partial sun to shade moist flies x western virgin’s Clematis ligusticifolia bower white 20’ May-Aug. sun to partial sun moist hummingbirds Lonicera ciliosa, L. hispidula vine honeysuckle orange, pink 10’ April-June partial sun moist bees, hummingbirds Annual Flowers moist winter/spring, good Clarkia concinna red ribbons bright pink 2-12” May-July sun drainage bees, hummingbirds moist winter/spring, good Collinsia heterophylla Chinese houses blue and white 4-20” March-July partial sun to shade drainage bees.butterflies x moist winter/spring, good Gilia capitata ballhead blue gilia blue 6-12” April-July sun to partial sun drainage bees, flies lavender with moist winter/spring, good Gilia tricolor bird’seye gilia dark center 4-6” March-April sun to partial sun drainage bees, flies white with purple moist winter/spring, good Nemophila maculata fivespot blotches 4-12” March-July sun drainage bees moist winter/spring, good Nemophila menziesii baby blue eyes sky blue 4-12” March-July sun drainage bees
Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 19 Habitat Hints F OR TH E Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest
HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR BEE-POLLINATED GARDEN FLOWERS AND CROPS Lg Sm Squash/ Yellow- Bumble Digger Leafcutter Mason Sweat Plasterer Andrenid Carpenter Carpenter Gourd faced F lowers Catalpa x Catnip x x x Clover x x Columbine x Cow parsley x Goldenrod x x x x Impatiens x Irises x x Lavender x x x x Milkwort x Morning glory x Penstemon x x x Passion flowers x Phacelia x x x x x x x x Potentilla x Rose x x x x x Salvia x x x x x Saxifrages x x Sorrel x Sunflowers x x x x x x x x Violet x x Wild Mustard x x Willow catkins x x C rops Almond x x x Apple x Blueberry x x x Cherry x x Eggplant x x x Gooseberry x x Legumes x x x x Water melon x x Squash/ Pumpkins/ x x Gourds Tomatoes x x x x Thyme x x x x x
20 Selecting Plants for Pollinators Habitat and Nesting requirements:
Bumble Bees: Abandoned mouse nests, other rodent burrows, upside down flower pots, under boards, and other human-made cavities. Colonies are founded by a queen in the spring and don’t die out in the fall. New queens mate then and overwinter in a sort of hibernation. Bumble bees are usually active during the morning hours and forage at colder temperatures than honey bees, even flying in light rain.
Large carpenter bees: Soft dead wood, poplar, cottonwood or willow trunks and limbs, structural timbers including redwood. Depending on the species, there may be one or two brood cycles per year. These bees can be active all day even in the hottest weather.
Digger bees: Sandy soil, compacted soils, bank sides. Anthophorid bees (now in the Apidae) are usually active in the morning hours, but can be seen at other times.
Small carpenter bees: Pithy stems including roses and blackberry canes. These bees are more active in the morning but can be found at other times. “ MONARCH Squash and Gourd bees: Sandy soil, may nest in gardens (where pumpkins, squash and gourds are grown) or BUTTERFLIES pathways. These bees are early risers and can be found in pumpkin patches before dawn. Males often sleep in the wilted flowers. NEVER FAIL TO Leafcutter bees: Pre-existing circular tunnels of various diameters in dead but sound wood created by emerging beetles, some nest in the ground. Leave dead limbs and trees to support not CATCH THE just pollinators but other wildlife. Leafcutter bees can be seen foraging throughout the day even in hot weather. VISITOR’S EYE Mason bees: Pre-existing tunnels, various diameters in dead wood made by emerging beetles, or AND ALWAYS human-made nesting substrates, drilled wood boards, paper soda straws inserted into cans attached to buildings. Mason bees are generally more active in the morning hours. LEAD TO Sweat bees: Bare ground, compacted soil, sunny areas not covered by vegetation. Like most bees, sweat bees forage for pollen earlier in the morning and then for nectar later. A TEACHABLE
Plasterer or cellophane bees: Bare ground, banks or cliffs. Colletid bees can be active in the morning or later in the day. MOMENT.” Yellow-faced bees: -- LOGAN LEE, In dead stems. These bees are more active during morning hours. PRAIRIE SUPERVISOR Andrenid bees: Sunny, bare ground, sand soil, under leaf litter or in soil in banksides and cliffs. These MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS generally spring-active bees are most commonly seen on flowers during the morning when pollen and nectar resources are abundant. PRAIRIE
Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow 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 Committee on the Status of were consulted to gather information Pollinators in North America. 2007. Butterflies and Moths for this guide. Use this list as a Status of Pollinators in North America Opler, Paul A., Harry Pavulaan, starting point to learn more about The National Academies Press: Ray E. Stanford, Michael Pogue, pollinators and plants in your area. Washington, DC. coordinators. 2006. Butterflies and Moths of North America. Bozeman, Native Plants MT: NBII Mountain Prairie Bailey’s Ecoregion Maps Information Node. Plant Conservation Alliance www.butterfliesandmoths.org/ USDA Forest Service www.nps.gov/plants (Version 07192007) http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ Seeds of Success ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html www.nps.gov/plants/sos Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Jim Brock and Kenn Kaufman. Pollination/Pollinators www.wildflower.org/plants/ 2003. Butterflies of North America. Houghton Mifflin. New York, NY. USDA Hardiness Zone Map Pollinator Partnership www.usna.usda/Hardzone/ North American Buterfly www.pollinator.org Association U.S. National Arboretum Coevolution Institute www.naba.org www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ www.coevolution.org ushzmap.html Natural Resources USDA, NRCS. 2007. The PLANTS Conservation Service Database Feedback www.nrcs.usda.gov www.plants.usda.gov, 19 July, 2007 North American Pollinator National Plant Data Center, We need your help to create better Protection Campaign Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA guides for other parts of North www.nappc.org America. Please e-mail your input USDA Forest Service Native Bees to [email protected] www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/ or fax to 415-362-3070. National Sustainable Information Wild Farm Alliance Service n www.wildfarmalliance.org How will you use this guide? “Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees” Xerces Society Pollinator Program by Lane Greer, NCAT Agriculture n Do you find the directions www.xerces.org Specialist, Published 1999, ATTRA clear? If not, please tell us Shepherd, MD, S. Buchmann, Publication #IP126 what is unclear. M. Vaughan, and S. Black. www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/ 2003. Pollinator Conservation nativebee.html n Is there any information you Handbook. Xerces Society for feel is missing from the guide? Invertebrate Conservation. Agriculture Research Service Portland, OR. Plants Attractive to Native Bees table n Any other comments? Illinois Natural History Survey www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs. www.inhs.uiuc.edu htm?docid=12052 Thank you Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. Christopher O’Toole and Anthony for taking 1997. The Forgotten Pollinators Raw. 1999. Bees of the World. the time to help! Island Press: Washington, DC. Blandford. London, UK.
Sierran Steppe – Mixed Forest – Coniferous Forest – Alpine Meadow Province 23 Research and Writing: Elizabeth L. Ley Spephen Buchmann, PH.D. NAPPC Larry Stritch, PH.D. Gil Soltz
Editorial: Laurie Davies Adams and Larry Stritch, Ph.D.
Production Supervision: Gil Soltz
Design: Marguerite Meyer
Plant Conservation Alliance Concept review: American Farm Bureau Federation, Ron Gaskell Bureau of Land Management, Peggy Olwell, Carol Spurrier, Mary Byrne, Mary Tisdale, Elizabeth Wooster National Garden Association, Susanne DeJohn Plant Conservation Alliance – Edward Fletcher, Jean Giblette, Mary Ann Lawler, Ron Smith Smithsonian Institute, Department of Botany, Gary Krupnick, Ph.D. USDA - CSREES, Greg Crosby, Ph.D., Leslie Gilbert, Ph.D. USDA - Forest Service, David Pivorunas, Larry Stritch, Ph.D. USDA - Natural Resource Conservation Service, Doug Holy, Hilda Diaz-Soltero USDOI - US Fish and Wildlife Service, Karen Anderson, Don MacLean, Patricia DeAngelis, Ph.D. USGS - Steve Hilburger, Elizabeth Sellers
Photo Contributors: Marguerite Meyer, Kim Davis & Mike Stangeland, http://kimandmikeontheroad.com/
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.org Selecting Plants for Pollinators